02-17-2023, 11:41 AM
(02-13-2023, 04:38 PM)the_conestoga_guy Wrote: The future of this intersection (Victoria/Lancaster/train tracks) is wildly interesting to me going forward, since there's so many competing interests.My question is, why not build a grade separated crossing similar to Margaret Ave? Lancaster at Victoria St is already higher than the rail crossing and could be built up easily. It would require remove access to the one garage property and the shell station, then some regrading to all Breithaupt meet Lancaster on the other side of the crossing. Lancaster is a major throughway, it may not seem like it compared to the suburban streets. Even after HWY 7 is built Lancaster will serve as a major connection for Bridgeport and Lancaster residents to get Downtown. I think it would be a mistake for the region to close this crossing to car traffic, I do think it need to be grade separated so GO/ VIA trains can travel faster through that section. St. Leger st could be closed with a pedestrian bridge built though.
We know that the main interchange for the future Highway 7 will be on Wellington, so traffic will likely need to be diverted off of Victoria Street. We also know that the Region is considering* a road diet for Victoria between Park Street and Highway 7 once the new highway is constructed. In my correspondence with Regional planners, I also know that they hope to include cycling facilities along this road as part of the diet. Lastly, we know that Metrolinx and CN would both love to have the railway grade separated.
I personally like the idea of closing this crossing to cars and maybe installing a pedestrian bridge to maintain an active transportation link. But I'm not sure if the fact that the adjacent fire station complicates matters, as that would lead to somewhat longer response times.
*considering =/= implementing. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/livin...-04-24.PDF