Saskatoon chooses relocation not over or underpass to address traffic delays from trains

Train delays have emerged as a transportation issue in both Saskatoon and Regina, and the cities are studying possible solutions.

Rather than adding an overpass or underpass in Saskatoon, as is being considered in Regina, officials will delve further into the possibility of relocating rail lines away from the city's core.

"We'd like to do a little more work, spend a little more money, spend a little more time doing more engineering work andthinking how we can relocate the rail lines out of the city," said acting transportation director Jay Magus

"Then, approach the rail companies with a business plan."

Grade separation vs rail relocation

The City of Saskatoon has completed Phase 1 of its feasibility study, which delved deeper into the two options, weighing costs and benefits.

"We also monetized and put a dollar amount to the benefits," said Magus.

Benefits for both rail relocation and an over or underpass include enhanced safety for traffic and pedestrians, reduction in greenhouse gas emissionsand faster travel time.

Construction of an overpass or underpass, though, at any of the nine crossing locations in the city, would be costly for nearby businesses.

The property impacts are so significant that grade separation has been rejected, for the time being.

The options for rail relocation will be explored further by city administration and would likely include the construction of a new bridge to the south of the city.

The rail lines could potentiallybe relocated north of the city, or to three separate locations to the south: one several kilometres away from city limits, one only a couple of kilometres away, and one rail line which would co-share the current CN corridor south of the city.

"We'd also gain some land back and the Sutherland yards could potentially be redeveloped," said Magus.

The cost of relocation is estimated at $590 million, while the benefits are estimated at approximately $4 million.

The city has an informal "rail working group," according to Magus, which includes city staff, business community representativesand rail companies.

Regina considering overpass

Regina mayor Michael Fougeretold CBCNews thatcity is considering building an overpass at an especially troublesome area where the Ring Road meets rail crossings near Winnipeg Street.

Safety has become a concern after traffic was halted for 1.5 hours in the early morning last weekand, before that, when a semi-trailer collided with a train at the Winnipeg Street crossing in January.

The city has yet to move forward with the optionand a feasibility study is pending approval by council.