(Dreamstime.com)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

no more choo-choo

Lacombe implements train whistle cessation at three intersections

Nov 16, 2023 | 10:20 AM

The City of Lacombe says three intersections in the city will soon be without the oft-maligned disturbance of train whistles.

Council declared train whistle cessation at a recent meeting for the following intersections (*subdivisions refer to sections of rail):

• Wolf Creek Drive at Bretcher Subdivision mile 10.64
• 34 Street rail crossing at Bretcher Subdivision mile 10.04
• 46 Avenue crossing at Leduc Subdivision mile 18.00

All three have already been brought up to current standards through prior City investment, so no further costs will come, the City says.

“I am pleased to announce that council has taken significant steps to reduce noise pollution within the community at these intersections,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “Unfortunately, the crossing on 50th Avenue did not receive approval for whistle cessation due to the rail company’s requirements. Council hopes to mitigate traffic and safety issues at this intersection and is investigating long-term solutions. We thank the residents for their patience and understanding as we work to improve the quality of life in our city.”

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

The City notes that it and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) — formerly CP Rail — have agreed that three of the five crossings within city limits are eligible for whistle cessation.

Council’s discontinuance motion will be sent to CPKC authorizing them to cease whistling within 30 days.

A fourth crossing at Wolf Creek Drive near Hwy 2A should qualify once a pedestrian crossing is installed next year. A separate motion will have to be brought forward.

A fifth crossing on 50th Avenue (Highway 12) near the Highway 2A intersection did not receive approval for whistle cessation, The City explains, because the rail company requires significant intersection redesign that would negatively impact the efficiency of traffic moving through the intersection.

The City notes that the 50th Avenue and Hwy 2A intersection has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle collisions in the city, and is approaching capacity.

The City’s 2020 Traffic Master Plan predicts it will exceed capacity when Lacombe reaches 17,500 people, in about 10 years. Thus, a redesign will be required.

To address these concerns, a $200,000 project to review long-term solutions for this intersection is included for council’s consideration in the proposed 2024 Budget. The estimated cost of redesign is $500,000.

Before revisiting the issue of train whistle cessation in recent years, The City of Lacombe considered it in 2015, then saying no to a study that would have cost $20,000 to assess two rail crossings.

READ MORE

• City of Lacombe taking next steps towards train whistle cessation
• County councillor looking to stop train whistles at crossing north of Red Deer

—

Download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.