Plans on relocating the train tracks that intersect with Ring Road between Winnipeg Street and McDonald Street could be on its way.
Based on a feasibility study, members of the Executive Committee approved administration’s recommendation Wednesday, to relocate both the Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) crossings over ring road.
“There’s a long process to go through here, but we now have a project we can begin to talk about and move that forward,” Regina Mayor, Micheal Fougere said.
Their Ring Road Crossing Feasibility Study, recently completed, recommends both the Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) be relocated to a joint operating corridor, the K-Lead Spur Line in the Ross industrial area.
The two main options include land south of the proposed Somerset development or directly north.
Other options administration explored included removing the Winnipeg Street bridge, bridging Ring Road over both rail lines and Winnipeg Street. As well as having Ring Road go under both lines and Winnipeg Street.
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Ultimately, committee felt relocation is the best option, but says it depends on funding and cooperation from CN and CP.
“That’s critical to move forward,” Fougere said. “If either one of the rail lines say they’re not interested in pursuing this, it’s difficult to move those lines.”
The recommendation will now be brought forward to city council for further consideration. The plan would see the preliminary design funded through the 2020 budget process.
Estimates for the potential relocation are estimated between $86 and $107 million dollars.
The full report, which includes the recommendations and feasibility study, will be brought forward to city council on Aug. 26.