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 that serve the company’s Lingan Generating Station.

Earlier this week, crews completed work on the crossing at King Street. The project required the temporary 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 addition, work was carried out at the crossing on Warren Avenue, prompting the closure of the road section between Willow Street and Eighth Street while upgrades were installed.

“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 has not disclosed the specific amount of funding allocated to the railway‑crossing improvements, nor has it provided a detailed schedule for future projects. However, Nova Scotia Power indicated that additional upgrades are planned for the fall and into the next year, without specifying which crossings will be addressed next.

In addition to the King Street and Warren Avenue intersections, the New Waterford vicinity 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. All of these crossings are part of the route used by the Sydney Coal Railway to transport coal to the Lingan Generating Station.

The upgrades are intended to align the crossing infrastructure with current Transport Canada safety standards and to ensure continued reliable service for both rail and road users in the region.

Article and image source: saltwire.com