THUNDER BAY — The city of Thunder Bay has completed the environmental assessment for a proposed multi-use crossing over the McIntyre Floodway west of McIntyre Centre on Memorial Avenue.
More steps remain to be taken, but the city hopes CN will consider allowing the use of its existing railway bridge west of McIntyre Centre.
That is the preferred option identified in the EA.
City officials still hope to begin work sometime this year on the crossing, which would serve as a key link for a north-south cycling corridor as part of the city's active transportation network.
The crossing would connect Carrick Street with Vickers Street.
Upon the expiry of a 30-day period for public comment on the EA study, the city will apply to the Ministry of the Environment for its approval.
The project is not yet fully funded, but money could come from the province's Municipal Commuter Cycling Program.
The city is now trying to find out if the railway is willing to consider modifications to its existing bridge, as it already shares the use of its corridors in some other Ontario communities.
CN and the city remain engaged in a protracted legal battle over the reopening of the James Street bridge, which was closed to vehicular traffic after a fire more than five years ago.
If the city can't strike a deal with the company for using its bridge over the floodway, it will have to consider a new, precast-concrete structure, similar to one on the Confederation College campus.
Early estimates of the price tag for that option were in the $1.2 million to $1.3 million range.
