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Edinburgh Road Environmental Assessment
The rail crossing study recommended the completion of an Environmental Assessment to identify all potential rail crossing alternatives that can be made to alleviate future concerns of the planned two-way, all-day passenger rail service.
The grade separation of Edinburgh Road at the Metrolinx Rail line was also identified in the City’s Transportation Master Plan for further study through the Environmental Assessment process.
The project objectives are to mitigate safety, connectivity and traffic circulation impacts of the rail crossing at Edinburgh Road under the ultimate future scenario of two-way all-day GO train service, while also seeking opportunities to improve pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular movement through the study area.
Study area
The Environmental Assessment study area consists of the Edinburgh Road corridor from the Paisley Road intersection to the Wellington Street intersection, a distance of approximately 1 kilometer; and extends west to Alma Street and east to Yorkshire Street for the purpose of evaluating local traffic impacts for each of the alternatives.
Most of the land use within the study area is residential. Commercial properties are located on either side of the Metrolinx Rail Corridor.
The Metrolinx Go Train crosses Edinburgh Road at-grade just north of Preston Street. There is also a CN rail crossing Edinburgh Road just south of Raglan Street.
Community engagement
An engagement strategy is planned for the Edinburgh Road Environmental Assessmen, starting with input into the problem statement, followed by opportunities to inform and select alternative solutions and the preferred solution. Engagement opportunities will be communicated throughout the project to people impacted within and beyond the study area, as well as members of the public with a general interest in the project. All information will be available on a Have Your Say project page.
Please stay tuned for engagement opportunities in fall 2024.
What is the process moving forward?
The next step is to commence an environmental assessment in 2024. Through a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, we will continue refining and exploring options in close consultation with the community. Options include do nothing, and various design alternatives for safety improvements including grade separating. Formal public engagement will start in fall 2024. We will notify residents and businesses in the study area and the general public when public engagement begins. A recommendation will be brought forth to City Council in 2025 for decision.
Proposed project schedule
- Level Rail Crossing Study (completed in 2023)
- Edinburgh Road Environmental Assessment – consultant selection – winter 2024
- Data collection and technical analysis – summer 2024
- Edinburgh Road Environmental Assessment starts – fall 2024
- Public open house – November 2024
- Public open house – February 2025
- Presentation of recommendations to Council – fall 2025
- Study completion – December 2025
Documents and resources
- Final Report – Level Rail Crossing Study
- Appendix A – Engagement Summary Memos and Public Open House Display Boards
- Appendix B – Background Technical Memorandum
- Appendix C – Existing Conditions Technical Memorandum
- Appendix D – Rail Crossing Grade Separation and Pedestrian Bridge Conceptual Design Memo
- Appendix E – Traffic Future Conditions Technical Memorandum
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Project archive
Samples of active transportation crossings
Rail level crossings
A rail level crossing for active transportation users in California, USA. The crossing uses gates, fences, signals, signs and pavement markings to facilitate a safe crossing across the railway tracks. Source: ‘At-Grade Passenger Rail Pedestrian & Trail Crossings, Empire Corridor South’ prepared by McLaren Engineering Group.
A rail level crossing for active transportation users. The crossing uses gates, fences, signals and signs to facilitate a safe crossing across the railway tracks. This crossing also includes an emergency gate. Source: ‘Engineering Design for Pedestrian Safety at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings’ prepared by U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration.
Underpass crossings
This example shows an underpass crossing with a paved path that has a yellow line showing the direction of travel. Source: ‘Dougall Pedestrian Underpass and Multi-use Trail‘ prepared by Amico.
The view from inside a concrete underpass, including overhead lights and several cyclists biking in the underpass. Source: ‘Dougall Pedestrian Underpass and Multi-use Trail‘ prepared by Amico.
For more information
Paul Croft, Project Manager
Parsons Inc.
613-608-0273
[email protected]
Daniel Di Pietro, Project Manager
Engineering and Transportation Services
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 3607
[email protected]