Nova Scotia Power begins work on Cape Breton railway crossings

**Nova Scotia Power Commences Upgrades to Railway Crossings in New Waterford**

*New Waterford, Nova Scotia* – Nova Scotia Power has begun a series of upgrades to railway crossings that intersect the Sydney Coal Railway in the New Waterford area. The work is part of the utility’s ongoing capital investment program aimed at maintaining the safety and reliability of rail‑road intersections.

Earlier this week, crews completed work on the crossing at King Street. The project required the closure of the segment of King Street between Wilson Avenue and Mount Carmel Avenue for portions of two days, during which a detour was provided for motorists. In the same period, the crossing at Warren Avenue was also addressed, leading to the temporary closure of the road section between Willow Street and Eighth Street while upgrades were performed.

“Rail crossings generally wear out faster than other sections of track because they are exposed to vehicle traffic and because the track structure changes where it crosses a road,” said Jacqueline Foster, a spokesperson for Nova Scotia Power. “This work was needed to restore the track and upgrade the signal system to meet current Transport Canada standards as technology continues to evolve.”

The utility did not disclose the specific amount of funding allocated to the railway‑crossing improvements. However, it indicated that additional upgrades are planned for the fall and into the following year, though details on the timing and specific crossings to be addressed have not been released.

In addition to the King Street and Warren Avenue sites, the New Waterford region contains several other railway crossings, including those at Hinchey Avenue, St. Joseph Street, Wilson Avenue, Eighth Street, Gibbon Street, Mahon Street, Heelan Street, Delay Road, and Lingan Road.

The Sydney Coal Railway, which traverses New Waterford and surrounding communities, provides rail service to Nova Scotia Power’s Lingan Generating Station. The upgrades are intended to ensure that these critical intersections continue to operate safely for both rail and road users.

Article and image source: saltwire.com