March 8, 2000

To: Chairman and Members of the Scarborough Community Council

From: Gary H. Welsh, Director, Transportation Services, Works and Emergency

Services, District 4

Subject: Proposed Addition of Gates at CN Railway Crossing on Progress Avenue - Mile 56.74 Uxbridge Subdivision Cost Sharing Agreement Scarborough City Centre

Purpose:

To enter into a cost sharing agreement with Canadian National Railways with respect to the installation of safety warning gates at the Rail Crossing on Progress Avenue between Midland Avenue and Kennedy Road.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

It is estimated that the total cost of the installation of the safety warning gates is $208,286 plus G.S.T. Historically, the road authority is responsible for 12.5 percent of the total cost of any new installations, which in this case would be approximately $24,035.75. The balance of the cost will be paid by CN Railways and by Transport Canada (pending grant approval). Currently there is funding for this provision, included in the 2000 current budget under cost centre TP0226.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) The City of Toronto enter into the cost sharing agreement dated December 3, 1999 with Canadian National Railway Company to provide 12.5 percent of the cost of the installation of safety warning gates at the Canadian National Railway Crossing on Progress Avenue between Midland Avenue and Kennedy Road.

(2) the appropriate City official(s) be authorized to sign the cost sharing agreement.

Background:

At the request of CN Railway, Transportation Division staff attended a site meeting to discuss the addition of the short arm gates at the level crossing on Progress Avenue, between Midland Avenue and Kennedy Road. A number of factors were itemized; increased vehicle volumes on Progress Avenue; a recent fatality involving a GO train; and the addition of the commercial area on the northeast quadrant of Progress Avenue and Kennedy Road. It was agreed that the addition of gates would enhance safety at the railway crossing.

Comments:

The installation of crossing gates would be similar to the type existing at many level railway crossings in the city. Crossing gates would provide a safer environment for trains and vehicles at this location.

Conclusions:

The installation of safety gates on Progress Avenue at the level railway crossing (between Midland Avenue and Kennedy Road) will provide an additional safety feature at this crossing. The City will be required to pay approximately $24,625.00, which represents 12.5 percent of the total cost of the installation.

Contact:

Bruce D. Clayton

Supervisor, Traffic Engineering, Works and Emergency Services

Tel: 396-7844

Fax: 396-5681

E-Mail: clayton@toronto.ca

Gary H. Welsh

Director, Transportation Services

Works and Emergency Services, District 4

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List of Attachments:

1. "Standard Funded Crossing Warning System Modification Agreement" between the Canadian National Railway Company and the City of Toronto.

2. Plan (Progress Avenue at CN Uxbridge Railway Tracks).