Crash Wall on Bullock Drive, Markham, ON.

Crash walls are required to be installed in most new developments today in Ontario that are adjacent to a railway corridor.  These large concrete barriers are required for protection during a train derailment.  The management of sound and vibration are other issues addressed by the installation.

Expansion of Railway Corridors in Urban Areas

As our cities expand, more railway corridors are becoming a development reality. Crash walls are required for commercial, industrial, and residential land use. Concrete crash walls require specialized experience and engineering. Each project is inspected for site-specific constraints and safety concerns.

Regulatory Changes and Guidelines

Significant changes have been made in recent years to federal legislation and some provincial land use acts. In 2013, the original guidelines for the development of industrial, commercial, and residential lands were reviewed and updated by a joint collaboration of the railways, municipalities, and government.

The Guidelines for New Development in Proximity to Railway Operations also include the recommended building setbacks for new residential development near railway operations.

Expertise in Concrete Wall Construction

The process of building these large concrete walls is highly intricate.  Northland Paving is experienced in building strong and stable concrete crash walls.  Northland will also navigate all of the necessary steps in permit coordination, inspections, testing and gaining access to rail properties.