TORONTO, Nov. 4, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- The government of Canada has decided to spend 3.8 million Canadian dollars ( about 3.5 million U.S. dollars ) on upgrading 35 high-priority rail crossings across the country for the safety of Canadians.

According to Canada's Economic Action Plan, 28 million Canadian dollars ( about 26 million dollars ) will be spent over the next five years to further enhance safety at grade crossings.

The projects include from simple electronic improvements in existing systems to full signal system installations. According to the Government's Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP), eligible railway crossings will be upgraded, relocated or closed, based on an assessment of factors such as traffic volume and accident history.

The funding is part of a financial commitment by the Government of Canada to build and renew federal public infrastructure in the country, including funding to VIA Rail Canada. (NYSE:CNI) (TSX:CNR) In 2007, the Government of Canada decided to spend 516 million Canadian dollars ( about 482 million dollars ) over five years to help VIA provide faster, cleaner, more frequent and more reliable passenger service across Canada. The Government of Canada built on this investment in Budget 2009 by providing an additional 407 million Canadian dollars ( about 380 million dollars ) to VIA for infrastructure and other capital improvements.