Dear Editor: Regarding your July 17 story, Plans for Unstaffed Rail Bridge Worries Port, District Officials, by Brent Richter: The safety of our employees and the public is CN's first priority. CN's decision to install new technology to centralize the opening and closing of three moveable span bridges in the Lower Mainland follows a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure public safety.
We have installed additional cameras at all bridges to provide a full scope of view, our emergency response plan continues to be in place, and Marine Navigation Rules are being closely followed. Once all bridgetenders have been fully trained on the integrated system, the main operations centre will be located at the Fraser River Bridge, where the majority of rail and marine traffic is. We will also continue to have the ability to put bridgetenders in place at any of the three bridges at any time, should the need arise.
The bottom line: The installation of this new automated technology will maintain public safety. We are working closely with Transport Canada as well as Port Metro Vancouver and our employees to ensure the security and safety of all our bridges. Emily Hamer, regional manager, CN Public and Government Affairs
Emily Hamer,
Regional Manager
