Langley Township Prioritizes Pedestrian Overpass After Multiple Fatal Train Collisions
The Township of Langley is actively considering the construction of a pedestrian overpass at a dangerous rail crossing, following a series of tragic incidents that have claimed multiple lives in recent months. Municipal officials have identified this infrastructure project as a major priority in response to growing safety concerns.
A Pattern of Tragic Incidents
On Thursday morning, just before 8 a.m., a man and his dog were struck and killed by a train near Glover Road and Billy Brown Road in Fort Langley. This marked the third fatal train collision in the Township of Langley within just over five months, creating an urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
The most recent fatality occurred in a popular walking area that has experienced significant housing development in recent years. Despite this growth, the community remains bisected by heavily used rail corridors operated by both CN and CPKC railways.
This tragic event follows two previous incidents: on January 8, a pedestrian died after being hit by a train near Derby Hills Park and the 208 Street rail crossing, and on August 19, 2025, another person lost their life in a train collision south of the most recent fatality near Crush Crescent and Glover Road.
Municipal Response and Proposed Solutions
Township councillor Michael Pratt described the latest collision as "a horrible tragedy" and emphasized that improving rail crossing safety has become "a major priority for everyone." The municipality is now focusing on a Fraser River waterfront redevelopment plan that includes a pedestrian overpass as a key component.
Preliminary estimates place the cost of the pedestrian overpass between $11 and $12 million, according to township officials. While the current crossing features standard safety measures including warning arms, bells, whistles, and raised sidewalks, municipal leaders acknowledge that additional protections are necessary.
Pratt noted that township staff will be examining all possible options to prevent future tragedies, stating, "We can discuss with staff and see if there's anything else that we can do to make sure that something like this doesn't happen."
Broader Safety Considerations
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has confirmed that officials are gathering information about the recent fatal train collisions in Langley Township. This investigation comes as the community grapples with the complex challenge of balancing residential growth with transportation safety.
Pratt highlighted the educational component of rail safety, noting that as new residents move into developing areas, they must become accustomed to their surroundings and the specific risks associated with rail corridors. Both driver and pedestrian education remain crucial elements of the township's safety strategy.
Meanwhile, work has already begun on aspects of the waterfront redevelopment plan, including renovations to a historic house that will be transformed into a community amenity. Township officials hope to advance the remainder of the project, including safety improvements, as quickly as possible.
The series of incidents has drawn attention to rail safety throughout the region, with another fatal train accident occurring in the adjacent City of Langley in 2024. As communities continue to grow alongside active rail lines, infrastructure solutions like pedestrian overpasses may become increasingly necessary to protect residents while maintaining efficient transportation networks.
