Montreal West residents demand release of traffic study for level crossing safety plan

Residents are concerned about the safety plan at the Montreal West train crossing, where an elderly man was killed.

A citizens’ group in the Town of Montreal West is calling for more transparency from officials regarding plans to improve safety at a level crossing on Westminster Avenue.

The group said it does not support the proposed plan and is urging the immediate release of the traffic study before the pilot project is implemented.

Additionally, it said it is also concerned about the town council’s apparent lack of consultation, claiming the proposed plan had a “car-centred design.”

“The proposed plan removes pedestrian stops, signs at already dangerous intersections and excludes bike infrastructure entirely,” Citizens for Safe Transit (CFST) said in a press release.

The town presented the pilot project during an information session last month based on recommendations from a traffic study completed after Montreal West received a letter of non-compliance from Transport Canada in 2023.

The group also criticized what it called a “lack of oversight” following the pilot phase, saying there was no plan for evaluation or adjustments.

“These shortcomings suggest that the proposal’s primary objective is to resolve the specific issue of vehicles queuing on the tracks — rather than to address the broader safety and mobility needs of all users,” it said.

The CFST added that while addressing vehicles queuing on the train tracks is vital, it should not come at the expense of vulnerable road users.

“Especially children, seniors, and cyclists — nor without full public disclosure and community input,” it said.

Several fatalities have occurred at the Westminster Avenue crossing in recent years.

In April 2024, a 71-year-old man died after being struck by a commuter train in the area.

In November 2024, a 14-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle while walking to school.

During the June meeting, some residents questioned why the traffic study had not been made public and criticized parts of the two-phase plan, which includes improved road markings, removable speed bumps, concrete barriers and temporary signage.

Mayor Beny Masella said at the time that he was concerned the recommendations would be misunderstood.

He added that following a call for tenders, the plan was to implement the changes before the end of the year.

With files from CTV News’ Rachel Lau.