Moroccan railways company invests us$ 3.23 mln to improve security at grade crossings

The Moroccan railways company (ONCF) has earmarked, part of its 1996-2005 program, some 372 Mln Dirhams (US$ 3.23 Mln) to improve security at grade crossings.

ONCF said in a communiqu? that part of the drive, it has diverted the course of 34 railroad tracks at sections deemed risky for the grade crossings users. 20 other tracks will be rerouted in the mid and long terms.

Some sections of the railroad network were fenced, especially the sections crossing cities and populated areas. The total cost of the operation, to be continued, part of the 1996-2005 program, is assessed at 80 Mln Dirhams (US$6.95).

Unprotected grade crossings are often the setting of accidents, mostly ascribable to the carelessness of users.