Airport tunnel supporters say idea not dead

A plan to build a tunnel under a new airport runway was effectively buried, as a funding deadline passed without the provincial and federal governments coming forward with money.

The city wants to build the tunnel to compensate for the closure of Barlow Trail, north of McKnight Boulevard, to make way for a new airport runway set for construction in the spring of 2011.

Proponents of the tunnel are calling the lack of funding a devastating blow, but are vowing to keep up the fight. However, it is unclear whether it would be feasible to build it once the runway is in place.

"This is the third busiest airport in the country. To cut access down to one primary access makes absolutely no sense, and yes, it will affect everybody across this city," said Grant Galpin, who speaks for the Airport Trail Access Committee, made up of area residents and merchants who support the project.

Without the tunnel, the only access to the airport from the rapidly growing northeast would be from Deerfoot Trail, he added, predicting the result will be traffic gridlock and businesses in the area cut off from customers.

Galpin said more public forums will be organized for residents and business owners to discuss the issue.  

The proposed tunnel would create an east-west artery across the city's northeast, connecting 96th Avenue east to 36th Street N.E. at a cost of $287 million.

The Calgary Airport Authority and the city agreed in December 2009 to jointly cover $90 million of the cost, provided Ottawa and the province committed by March 1 to pay for the rest.

Mayor Dave Bronconnier said he plans to discuss other options with city council next Monday.