Railways, City of Saskatoon combine forces to battle traffic problems

There may be hope on the horizon for frustrated motorists tired of being blocked by long, slow freight trains.

Saskatoon City Council has voted to create a new committee with railway companies CN and CP Rail.

The new committee will look for "mutually acceptable" traffic solutions, that would allow traffic and trains to flow. 

While inconveniencing commuters, the backups also create major headaches for ambulances and fire trucks.

"It is really important that we have some good solid discussions, both with CN and CP, about the impact on emergency vehicle access," said Councillor Pat Lorje. 

According to data collected by the city between September to November of 2014, traffic was disrupted dozens of times for more than five minutes.

During one notable occasion, traffic was disrupted for 42 minutes at the corner of 11th Street and Dundonald Avenue.

"Drivers are getting frustrated," said Lorje. "There are whole communities that are being isolated as a result of the train delays."

Ultimately, the city plans on partnering with the rail companies to approach the provincial and federal governments for money to build structures to help traffic flow.

"I did speak with the president of CN Rail, who informed me that it is possible, if the city decides jointly with the federal government, to implement improvements at certain level crossings," she said.

The City of Saskatoon has already been speaking to CN Railway about re-opening a railway crossing on Dundonald Avenue for pedestrians and emergency vehicles. Discussions on the crossing are scheduled for early 2015.