What an idiot, thats the whole idea.
Yes the wall will be constructed primarily for noise reduction purposes, but it has a second and more important function imo – to save lives, by keeping trespassers out.
The railway track is not a public thoroughfares or a pedestrian path. This wall is not restricting access because access is prohibited in the first place! There is absolutely no reason for someone to be there and yet I see it almost every day.
I’m sick and bleeping tired of nearly running over some irresponsible moron who decided he wanted to take a short cut because it’ll save him 2 minutes or something. Whats more important here, that 2 minutes or the rest of your life? Oh it’ll be a short cut alright, in one sense. These people seem to not get it, no matter how much we try to educate the public (i.e operation lifesaver, or the national rail safety education program). Or worse yet seeing children playing chicken with the train.
A chain linked fence is clearly not the answer. If I could get a dollar for every hole I’ve seen in one I’d be millionaire. CN itself doesn’t even bother with repairing them anymore. They see no point in that because by the end of the week someone will have cut another hole into it anyways. That’s if there even is one to begin with! Many areas don’t even have that, its just an open path - to a tragic accident. No accident is not the proper terminology, thats a disservice to those who have actually died in such a manner. Death by misadventure, sheer ignorance or stupidity is more accurate.
Walls are necessary because its been proven in blood of the numerous deaths we witness every year. Never mind the hundreds of other close calls. What other solution is there? Bury the whole thing? Does anyone think this province or this country has the money or will to do that? Walls offer a level of security that we can afford. Have you ever seen someone take a ladder with them to scale one? Or dig a hole under one just to get by it? That just doesn’t happen. Incidents at level crossings is another area of concern. Thankfully that aspect has already been addressed with the planned elimination of all level crossings on the line at least up until the airport link.
I disagree compeltely.
Sure that prime view of the railway tracks that some people seem to cherish so much is about to disappear. To be replaced with a graffiti covered wall. But really, if the choice is simply about aesthetics value vs safety I don't believe there’s much of a debate. Saving peoples lives is a little bit more important no?
Which is why I find such wall’s along the tracks to be such a beautiful sight. Its far better than seeing red...