07-24-2024, 02:35 PM
Okay, I've got some information from the region regarding what's going on with Lancaster at the tracks. Emphasis is my own:
The Lancaster Street Railway Grade Separation Feasibility Study is being done following the process used for Municipal Class Environmental Assessment studies. This requires that after background studies are done to gather all relevant information regarding existing conditions, that a problem statement be determined and a list of alternative solutions be prepared. These alternatives are evaluated and presented for public input before a recommended solution is brought forward for consideration by Regional Council.
To date we have gathered existing and projected vehicular, pedestrian and rail traffic volumes to isolate issues and determine contributing factors to the conflicts that are occurring at the existing at-grade crossing. Metrolinx owns the railway tracks through Kitchener and is also doing a study of the at-grade crossings in Kitchener and Guelph. At this time we are scheduling a meeting with Metrolinx staff to discuss our mutual interests at the Lancaster Street crossing and what alternative solutions may be available. Since the cost of a grade separation at this location would be significant, potential cost sharing for these solutions will also be discussed. The results of these discussions will determine our approach going forward. At this time, we do not have sufficient information for review by the public. We expect that once meaningful discussions have been held with Metrolinx staff, that we will be in a position to present information for public comment early in 2025.
The Lancaster Street Railway Grade Separation Feasibility Study is being done following the process used for Municipal Class Environmental Assessment studies. This requires that after background studies are done to gather all relevant information regarding existing conditions, that a problem statement be determined and a list of alternative solutions be prepared. These alternatives are evaluated and presented for public input before a recommended solution is brought forward for consideration by Regional Council.
To date we have gathered existing and projected vehicular, pedestrian and rail traffic volumes to isolate issues and determine contributing factors to the conflicts that are occurring at the existing at-grade crossing. Metrolinx owns the railway tracks through Kitchener and is also doing a study of the at-grade crossings in Kitchener and Guelph. At this time we are scheduling a meeting with Metrolinx staff to discuss our mutual interests at the Lancaster Street crossing and what alternative solutions may be available. Since the cost of a grade separation at this location would be significant, potential cost sharing for these solutions will also be discussed. The results of these discussions will determine our approach going forward. At this time, we do not have sufficient information for review by the public. We expect that once meaningful discussions have been held with Metrolinx staff, that we will be in a position to present information for public comment early in 2025.
