THE CLOSURE of the Frank St. level rail crossing last week gives the city leverage to insist that a second overpass be built, says mayor Dave Pernarowski.
The problem is that there is not enough room between the tracks and the intersection of Frank St. with Hwy16 for lengthy vehicles to safely wait until they can proceed on to the highway.
The result is that the back portions of lengthy vehicles then block the tracks.
CN crews followed the CN order by placing concrete barriers blocking vehicle traffic the afternoon of June 11.
The move angered residents and, in particular, Keith Ave. industrial and other businesses who used the Frank St. crossing.
Even without the closure, which has forced traffic to the Kenney St. level street crossing and the Sande Overpass, there had been calls for a second overpass.
That's because rail traffic has been growing with the development of port facilities of Prince Rupert, resulting in long waits at level crossings for trains to clear the intersections.
“I think now we can address the issues of traffic and improvements concerning a grade separation as part of a long-term plan,” said Pernarowski last week.
Although not directly critical of the closure, the mayor did say there is increasing pressure now on Kenney and on the Sande Overpass.
“I'm not sure if this is improving safety,” said Pernarowski of the closure.
“It can be just as dangerous on Kenney,” he said of traffic conditions on that crossing.
Pernarowski met with Keith Ave. area businesses June 13, noting their frustration with the situation.
“What is going to happen is more dangerous goods traffic using Kenney St. and the Sande Overpass,” he said.
The mayor met with Skeena – Bulkey Valley NDP MP Nathan Cullen and Skeena NDP MLA Robin Austin June 15 to come up with a plan.
Cullen has already written a letter to Transport Canada and to CN asking that a solution be found.
“We're putting a priority on this,” said Pernarowski of a resolution.
The mayor did acknowledge the city has the option to open the Frank St. crossing again by not permitting long vehicles to use the route to Hwy16.
That would involve signs informing motorists of the restriction and employees to enforce the restriction.
“It won't solve the issue of trucks but it would certainly allow small vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” said Pernarowski. “All this is something for council to discuss.”
CN says its warning lights and gates already installed at the crossing could be programmed to work in conjunction with traffic lights at the intersection of Frank St. and Hwy16 to control traffic and keep the tracks free of vehicles.
Those traffic lights would be the responsibility of the highways ministry and it has already said it has no money for them nor does it see the need.
“The Kenney Street crossing and the Sande Overpass are functional and safe intersections and provide both a primary and secondary access for crossing the rail line,” the provincial transportation ministry said in a prepared statement released June 13.