$58 Million Rail Underpass Project

London City Council has given approval for the $58 million Adelaide Street rail crossing underpass project per the Ontario Construction Report. The Deputy Mayor, Paul Hubert said, "Some out there may be saying they can do it faster. This council has done it faster. The fact that this has been moved ahead ten years cannot be lost on the public." 

Construction is expected to begin in 2021. The London Free Press reported that CP Rail line would pick up 15 per cent of the project's costs. The roadwork itself is projected to cost $10.8 million, with the rail structure estimated at $9.8 million. Sewer work, utility relocation, property acquisition and other costs would make up the difference. Over 17 properties may be affected but only by a small amount.

The decision was approved unanimously and the project was moved to the final environmental assessment stage. This will require a 30 day public review. After that, city staff can start acquiring property and requisitioning more detailed designs. 

Per the Global News, the underpass would run from Central Avenue to Pall Mall Street and McMahen Street, allowing regular traffic and emergency vehicles to bypass the Canadian Pacific rail line. 

"This will have a significant impact on community safety and also an economic impact as we're trying to move goods and services across the city." 

London Mayor | Matt Brown

According to the London Free Press, many of London's residents are relieved to see this almost $60 million rail underpass project being approved in the hopes of alleviating the lengthy traffic backups for which the city is notorious. This project will allow traffic to flow under the rail tracks. Currently, two rail lines bisect the heart of the city. Trains on the CP line regularly stop traffic on Adelaide Street for more than 100 minutes a day in total when all of the day's train delays are added up. 

Last month a broken down train was stopped on the CP line between Richmond and Adelaide Streets for almost an hour causing many London commuters anguish. Some pedestrians have even climbed between stalled train cars to cross the tracks and avoid waiting which can be a very dangerous undertaking. About 26,000 vehicles a day cross the rail line where the new underpass will go. According to a study done by the city, it was determined that there are between 25 and 43 train delays in that area every day.