For the second time in four years, CN Rail has squashed a City of Terrace proposal to build a pedestrian overpass across their tracks.
In 2018, a study conducted by the City identified Kalum street as an ideal location to build a new pedestrian rail overpass.
But, the location required portions of the infrastructure to built on CN Rail property and, despite acknowledging the need for increased safety, CN denied the request.
When the opportunity to apply for the Federal Active Transportation grant came to city staff earlier this month, the proposal returned to the spotlight.
Accounting for inflation, and other added costs compared to the 2018 study, current project costs are estimated at $13.2 million.
With the grant covering 60 percent, the City would still be on the hook for roughly $5 million.
But, the project still required CN approval prior to the March 31st application deadline, and CN once again shot down the proposal.
In their response to council, CN identified Terrace as an important strategic location, and said any non-CN infrastructure would restrict the possibility for future growth or expansion.
A motion at last night’s council meeting was approved, instructing staff to set up a meeting between Council and CN Rail to discuss how they can bridge the impass, both literally and figuratively.
Comments