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Rising creek levels cause concern for train tracks in Vernon

Transport Canada is “monitoring the situation for potential impacts to rail safety operations”
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The thawing of the spring freshet has led to an exceedingly high creek, creating a perilous situation with the train tracks north of Vernon near Stickle Road (Jennifer Smith-Morning Star photo).

The train tracks on the northern side of Vernon, near Stickle Road, are causing concern as water from the nearby creek creeps perilously close to overflowing onto the tracks.

When reached for a comment, Ian McCord, a spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, directed all inquiries to Transport Canada.

“The TPSB only deals with accidents on the tracks, not flood risks.”

Transport Canada provided a statement, saying that it is, “monitoring the situation for potential impacts to rail safety operations, and compliance of companies with the Railway Safety Act.”

“Under the Railway Safety Act, railway companies are responsible for the safety of their rail line infrastructure, railway equipment and operations.”

Canadian National Railway is the company that operates on the tracks.

Under the Railway Safety Act, tracks need to be “inspected and maintained to ensure that the line of track is safe for railway operations.”

In the event of a fire, flood or severe storm, a special track inspection must be made of the track involved as soon as possible.

CN Rail released a statement, stating that they are “aware of the current water level at the bridge location and continues to monitor our track infrastructure here and throughout the region to ensure the safety of the community, its train crews, and the safe transportation of goods.”

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@B0B0Assman
bowen.assman@vernonmorningstar.com

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32643769_web1_230511-VMS-traintracks-_3
The thawing of the spring freshet has led to an exceedingly high creek, creating a perilous situation with the train tracks north of Vernon near Stickle Road (Jennifer Smith-Morning Star photo).


Bowen Assman

About the Author: Bowen Assman

I joined The Morning Star team in January 2023 as a reporter. Before that, I spent 10 months covering sports in Kelowna.
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