Title
Access Road to YWCA and Rail Crossing Improvement - Fallis
Proposed Motions
1) Administration be directed to complete the preliminary design of a new access road to the YWCA within the Hamlet of Fallis.
2) Administration be directed to pursue upgrades at the CN Rail crossing within the Hamlet of Fallis.
3) That the Committee of the Whole recommend Council approve $125,000 of funding from Future Transportation Restricted Surplus to complete the preliminary design work for the proposed Fallis roadway construction and at-grade rail crossing improvements.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
The attached Administrative Report provides background information on the current access to the YWCA in the Hamlet of Fallis and provides an alternative access option to the area including a cost estimate for the work. Also included within the attached report is a list of positive and negative impacts an alternative alignment may provide. Costs and details regarding upgrades to the existing rail crossing have also been provided.
Summary
The existing access road to the YWCA through Fallis has been in place for several years. Requests for improvements to the roadway have been put forward several times. The attached report has been prepared to provide a brief summary of a roadway construction option including a list of positive and negative implications for the proposed option. An estimate of $450,000 to complete the construction is provided for Council to have a very high level estimate of the projected costs. Administration proposes that a preliminary design be completed to obtain detailed information on what it would take to construct the roadway. The design would include a geotechnical review of the area to determine suitability for roadway construction as well as an environmental impact assessment to provide a detailed analysis of the environmental challenges the alternative route may present. An initial amount of $125,000 would allow Administration to complete initial phases of work to then return to Council with full details of construction costs and results of the engineering reports.
As directed, Administration could also pursue discussions with CN Rail to upgrade the existing rail crossing. The crossing currently includes flashing warning lights and the upgraded portion would include the addition of automated gate arms across the roadway.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Healthy Communities: Residents have access to programs, services and infrastructure that contribute to their well-being and quality of life
Financial Impact:
Cost: $125,000
Source of Funding: Future Transportation Restricted Surplus