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On Friday, Transport Canada announced it will provide more than $10 million to improve safety at 92 grade crossings nationwide as part of its crossing improvement program. Since 1994, the organization has funded more than $100 million worth of crossing improvements.

Under the program, eligible crossings are either upgraded, relocated or closed. Upgrades include installing flashing lights and gates, adding gates or extra lights, linking signals to nearby traffic lights, modifying operating circuits, or adding circuits or timing devices. Transport Canada funds up to 80 percent of a project's cost, with the balance paid by railroads, municipalities, provinces or territories.

"Although accident rates and crossing fatalities in Canada have decreased over the last 10 years, accidents at crossings resulted in 26 fatalities and 51 serious injuries in 2003," said Transport Minister Jean Lapierre in a prepared statement. "It is necessary to continue highlighting the importance of exercising caution when nearing and crossing railways."