With increasing alarm residents are watching this crossing to ascertain why DPTI have shown more interest. It may be just that the Belair train started running this week and they wished to alert pedestrians of this. However, residents believe they may be pre-empting closing the crossing if they don't believe it generates sufficient use. I would rather believe that they are ascertaining if a gate mechanism, as will be provided at the Fairfax Ave crossing, is also required in this location. I will update when I find out. However, in the meantime please use this crossing as often as you are able to boost the numbers.
It seems the reason may be that the new location of the passing loop will block the line of sight to on coming trains if a Belair train is waiting in the loop.
After discussion with staff and they in turn with DPTI it has been made very clear that closure is not an option. It is true that the sight lines are no longer considered to be safe in the current location with the current treatment(hence the security). Options are being discussed.I will release these as soon as I am allowed to.
ReplyDeleteJennie, it staggers me the lack of engineering foresight with this project - this crossing was always going to be dangerous with the new passing loop - DPTI should have planned for this from the start.
ReplyDeleteOn another related issue, the wheel squeal from the Belair train when it uses this loop is over the top and a real negative for local residents.
You are right, DPTI has a very poor record in pre planning much of this project, however, no consultation occurred with Council on the location of the passing loop. To complain about wheel squeal the observation must be phoned through to ARTC. I sit on the noise abatement committee, as a proxy,and will ensure the matter is discussed at their next meeting. Residents need to continue to argue that closure is not an option and then work with DPTI to come up with an acceptable treatment at the crossing for all residents to be able to use the crossing safely. This is on the Community Advisory Group Agenda for next Wed (7th), I encourage as many people as possible to attend. It's at the swimming pool at 6pm.
ReplyDelete38 people attended this meeting;well done to Terina who organised it. It certainly sends a message to DPTI that closure is not an option.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Walter as to his comments regarding the wheel squeal from the relocated Belair bypass loop adjacent Arundel Ave. You not only hear squeal of the the belair trains as they brake into the bypass loop but you then have the noise of the trains idling. He trains stay in the loop for at least a few minutes each time and this happens multiple times at peak evening hours.
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