Here’s the latest information about the 8th St Railway crossing closure from Erin Joslin, VP External and Chair of the Civic Affairs Committee:
What’s going on? I heard that they’re closing the 8th St railway crossing?
During a recent meeting between the City of Calgary and the RCA Board, the City told us that the 8 St SE railway crossing will be closing.
The City provided no additional details or alternate options, and there has been no further discussion about the closing.
I saw constructions crews at the 8th St crossing. I can’t believe they closing it down already!
The City is NOT closing the 8th St crossing YET.
The construction you’re seeing is related to something else. By the time you read this, they might be done.
But the 8th St crossing is NOT being closed yet.
They can’t just close the crossing without talking to us first! We live here!
This is what we’ve heard so far:
- Canadian Pacific wants to close the 8th St crossing so they no longer have to worry about car traffic.
- There is a contract on the books between CP and the City of Calgary (from over 100 years ago) that allows CP to close this crossing at any point.
- Ward 9 does NOT support the closure of the 8th St crossing because it affects connectivity between Ramsay and Inglewood.
- The Green Line LRT could potentially run along the CP tracks through the 8th St crossing.
I’m really upset about this, and I need more details.
You’re not alone. I asked Ramsay residents to send me their questions and concerns. This is the list so far:
- When is this happening? There has been no time frame given on this closure.
- What does this do to our connection to Inglewood (vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle)?
- Does the 7th St SE underpass get to stay open or not? We want certainty on this. And if it stays open, will it be upgraded as part of the 9th Ave SE Bridge project – in other words, can we turn towards both directions on 9 Ave?
- How does this affect Emergency Access? Especially during situations such as derailments and floods?
- How does this impact current traffic patterns?
- What does this mean for traffic loads on MacDonald Ave?
- How does this impact Stampede Traffic following major events?
- Does the traffic count data presented actually reflect true traffic volume? We all know that lots of us choose alternate routes when we see the train at the crossing.
- If ‘at grade’ crossings are a huge deal and we want to get rid of them, why are the crossings on 11th street and through the traffic circle also not being discussed?
- Do we get to keep the pedestrian access under the tracks? If so, can we address safety issues with this route?
- Where exactly is 8th closing, and what will that closing look like? Will there be barriers that can be removed in emergency situations? What will the cul-de-sac look like?
- How does this all tie in to the other proposed projects – 9th Ave Bridge, Green Line?
What is going to happen next?
The conversation is just starting. The crossing is not closed yet.
We are working with Inglewood, Ward 9, and the Stampede to figure out the next steps.
I will keep you posted as I get answers and new details.
How can I help?
Please email your questions and concerns to Ward 9 at ward09@calgary.ca and make sure you CC me at vpexternal@ramsaycalgary.ca when you do so.
Ward 9 will compile the list of Ramsay residents’ concerns and bring it to the attention of the City.
This situation is stressful, but we’re pushing to get answers to your questions.
