The City of Ottawaโs Transportation Committeeย approved on Wednesday the functional design of an underpass where theย Jockvale Road multi-use pathwayย crosses the VIA Rail tracks in Barrhaven. As many as 200 pedestrians and cyclists cross these tracks every day, and the new design would eliminate possible conflict with the 19 trains that use the tracks daily.
In addition to the underpass, the estimated $6.5-million project also includes a safe way for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Jockvale Road, south of the tracks. The crossing anticipates the future extension of the east-west multi-use pathway. A planned update to the Cityโs Transportation Master Plan in 2022 would consider the timing and priority of this project.
Staff have also recommended interim modifications be put in place until the underpass is built, to make the pathway safer. These modifications would cost approximately $70,000 and would be implemented as soon as operationally feasible.
Items from todayโs Transportation Committee meeting requiring City Council approval will be considered on Wednesday, Sept. 11.