Train crossing halts Regina traffic for 1.5 hours
Ross Avenue signal system repaired, CP says
Some Regina commuters encountered a substantial delay on their way to work Friday morning.
There were multiple reports of drivers being held up at the train crossing on Ross Avenue, between McDonald Street and Winnipeg Street.
Some said they were there for an hour and a half.
<a href="https://twitter.com/torygillis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@torygillis</a> CP says signal malfunction on Ross Ave between McDonald and Winnipeg. Traffic has been backed up for over an hour!
—@geotecguyyikes! what a hassle this AM at Ross + Winnipeg-- sounds like due to the signal at the rail crossing. . I got my first text about backed up traffic there at about 7:30 a.m. Eek. Are you stuck in it? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yqrtraffic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yqrtraffic</a> <a href="https://t.co/ABuH2ptuj2">https://t.co/ABuH2ptuj2</a>
—@torygillisthey just got free... apparently the arms went down at 7:10am so the people at the front would have been there for an hour and a half
—@SaskSneezeAccording to CP, the problem this morning was caused by a broken bond wire, which connects the signal system to the track.
The company said signals at railway crossings turn on when there is any kind of an issue with the track circuitry or wiring as a safety feature.
"We appreciate that this morning's activation caused an inconvenience with the public, and upon notification, we promptly dispatched a signal maintainer to rectify the issue," said a spokesperson for CP, in an email to CBC.
"We regret the inconvenience."
"We want to look at providing safety for people and remove the frustration of drivers that go there," he said.
He proposed the city conduct a feasibility study into possible designs, costs, and timelines for such a project.
Karen Gasmo, executive director of transportation in Regina, said the city is yet to move forward with this idea.
"The project cost and options will be contemplated as part of the feasibility study, should council approve the motion on the agenda next month," Gasmo said in an email.
The accident left the railway crossing equipment disabled.