Consultant to examine design for rail relocation on Ring Road

For years, Regina drivers have been delayed on Ring Road as trains rumbled across the road.

Now, the campaign to relocate the rail lines has moved a little further down the tracks, with the city’s announcement Monday that it has hired Stantec Consulting Ltd., to examine a preliminary design for relocating the rail lines crossing Ring Road.

“The relocation solution the city is potentially pursuing would address traffic delays and move trains away from residential areas to the northeast industrial area,” Deborah Bryden, Regina’s executive director of city planning and community development, said in a release.

“Rail is vital to the movement of goods and will be necessary to service proposed new developments including canola crushing plants and other economic opportunities around our city.”

In a feasibility study conducted in 2019, relocation was chosen as the most suitable option for dealing with the crossings near Winnipeg Street.

According to the city, the preliminary design is to “further investigate the solution concept identified in the feasibility study” by examining engineering investigation and design, railway operational plans, public and stakeholder engagement and cost estimates.

Mayor Sandra Masters has said she’s “very confident” the lines will be relocated, noting the rail companies seemingly are on board with the plan as well.

The city said it will offer updates and public engagement opportunities as the project moves forward. A recommendation report is expected to be presented to city council in 2023.