The Town of Banff’s hopes for a level pedestrian crossing between the industrial compound and the townsite have been derailed.
Instead, Banff’s new trails master plan recommends a pedestrian overpass be built across the train tracks between Marmot Crescent and the industrial compound. The estimated price tag is $2 million.
Local residents cross the Canadian Pacific Railway line illegally as a shortcut to the industrial compound, which is a significant employment hub for many in town. CP Police have issued fines to those caught crossing the tracks illegally.
Officials with the Town of Banff say they had been in earlier discussions with CP to build and fund a formalized level crossing there, but those talks were unsuccessful.
“CP has said they are not interested in a level crossing,” said Chad Townsend, the Town’s environmental manager and point man on the trails master plan.
“They said go over or under, so long as it does not interfere with train operations. They considered a level crossing to affect their operations.”
A trail counter located on the north side of the CP railway line at the industrial compound saw a high of about 4,300 crossings in October 2014 and a low of about 3,200 last September.
Peak use for the trail was on Mondays, with an average daily traffic count of 145 recorded.
A CP spokesperson said the company considers a pedestrian overpass or underpass would be the safest alternative at the location to provide safe and convenient access for the public to and from the industrial park.
“Canadian Pacific told the Town of Banff we will not approve a level crossing at this location a number of years ago, as there is a legal public crossing nearby. CP has not changed our position,” said spokesperson Salem Woodrow.
“This illegal crossing is in a poor location as it is over the main track and active siding track. Trains frequently meet and pass here and it would be unsafe for railway operations and the public.”
According to the trails master plan, the route to the industrial compound along Banff Avenue lacks an adequate shoulder, path or trail along the west side of the road. While the Legacy Trail is on the east side, there is no pedestrian crossing at the industrial compound.
The plan also said walking Banff Avenue to the industrial compound takes about 30 minutes longer than using the shortcut across the train tracks, or about 10 minutes longer for cyclists.
There is also no public transit stop at the official road entrance to the industrial compound.
