There are different allowable train speeds for every section of track, including through cities, towns and communities. There are also different train speeds that apply to commuter and passenger traffic. Track speed also varies with changing operating conditions. 

CPKC follows the following standards when setting maximum track speeds: 

• Canada – Transport Canada standards
• U.S. – The Federal Railroad Administration Track Safety Standards
• Mexico – Mexico track standards relating to speed do not differ from the U.S. The regulation applied to track standards in Mexico is MON-003-ARTF-2019. CPKC would seek authorization from the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation
  

Please be reminded trains may be travelling faster than they appear and could take 1 mile/1.5 kilometers or longer to come to a full stop. 

CPKC does not provide train traffic data. CPKC trains move rail traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the service of our customers, and by extension, the U.S., Mexico and Canadian economies. Any development near railway infrastructure should assume the potential for frequent train activity that fluctuates at any time of the day and any day of the year. 

In Canada, CPKC recommends developers, municipalities and other stakeholders adopt and respect the Proximity Guidelines established jointly by the Railway Association of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. These guidelines can be found here .

In Canada, trains are required to whistle at all public grade crossings and the train must begin sounding its whistle at least a quarter mile upon approach to the crossings, unless there is a whistle cessation agreement in place.

In the U.S., trains must sound the train horn 15 to 20 seconds before entering any public grade crossing and must continue to sound the horn until the train fully occupies the grade crossing, unless there is a quiet zone designation in place.

In Mexico, the range for the volume of train whistle must be between 96-100 dB.

Train crews will also sound the whistle if their view is restricted or they perceive a danger, such as someone walking on the track.

In Canada, regulations prohibit a train from standing still on a public grade crossing for longer than 5 minutes and the crew must clear the crossing after 5 minutes to allow vehicles and pedestrians through. There are exceptions to this rule.

In the U.S., the majority of states place restrictions on the amount of time a rail grade crossing can be blocked. The time allowed varies but generally does not exceed 20 minutes. When an emergency vehicle needs to travel through a blocked crossing, CPKC will endeavor to clear the affected crossing as quickly as possible. 

In Mexico, public grade crossings should not be blocked for more than 10 minutes. However, there are no federal regulations or standards that specifically address these events.

If you require emergency vehicular passage, contact:

• At a CPKC grade crossing in Canada/US: CPKC Police Service 1-800-716-9132
• At a CPKC grade crossing in Mexico:  011-52-81-8305-7911

No. It is both illegal and extremely dangerous to walk, drive, cycle or snowmobile on or alongside the railway line. Trains move quickly and quietly and cannot swerve or stop suddenly to avoid an accident. 

At 10,000 tonnes or more, it can take a freight train 1 mile/1.5 kilometres, or longer, to stop. Anyone found on CPKC property without authorization may be charged with trespassing.

What if I see dangerous activity on your tracks?

If you see trespassers or dangerous activity on or around CPKC tracks, contact:

• At a CPKC grade crossing in Canada/US: CPKC Police Service 1-800-716-9132
• At a CPKC grade crossing in Mexico: 011-52-81-8305-7911

Holding trains temporarily along the mainline (or on sidings) is a normal and necessary part of railroad operations. This allows the railcars to be sorted, marshalled, inspected, and so that a host of other operational requirements can be performed. Additionally, important mechanical safety components of trains (such as air brake pressure) require the intermittent starting and stopping of locomotive engines. During cold weather the locomotive must remain running to avoid severe damage to the engine. 

CPKC property is a heavy industrial zone used to support live railway operations 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year. CPKC tries to minimize the effects resulting from our operations on people living nearby, insofar as reasonable, while ensuring CPKC’s network remains safe and efficient.

In most areas, CPKC’s right of way extends approximately 50 feet/15.25 metres from the centre of the outermost track on both sides but can vary in rare situations.

In some cases, CPKC’s right of way extends beyond this area in order to accommodate rail operations, such as areas needed for the storage of rail equipment and materials.

If you have questions about your property boundary, you should have your property surveyed.

CPKC does not permit public use of railway property. For safety reasons, keep clear of rail property, including tracks and the adjacent rights-of-way, at all times. Visit Operation Lifesaver Inc. (U.S.) and Operation Lifesaver Canada for information on how to stay safe near railway property and when crossing tracks.

In Canada, trains are required to whistle at all public grade crossings and the train must begin sounding its whistle at least a quarter mile upon approach to the crossing, unless there is a whistle cessation agreement in place.

In the U.S., trains must sound the train horn 15 to 20 seconds before entering any public grade crossing and must continue to sound the horn until the train fully occupies the grade crossing, unless there is a quiet zone designation in place.

Train crews will also sound the whistle if their view is restricted or they perceive a danger, such as someone walking on the track.

The train whistle must be capable of producing a minimum sound level of 96 decibels. Although there is no maximum volume rule in Canada, CPKC follows the Federal Railroad Authority (FRA) rules for the U.S., since our trains operate on both sides of the border. Under FRA rules, the maximum volume level for the train horn is 110 decibels.

In Mexico, the range for the volume of train whistle must be between 96-100 dB.

There are several steps in applying for whistle cessation or quiet zone at a designated crossing. For information on this process, please visit: 

• Canada: https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/rail/grade-crossings/train-whistling.html
• U.S.: https://railroads.dot.gov/highway-rail-crossing-and-trespasser-programs/train-horn-rulequiet-zones/train-horn-rule-and-quiet