By Matt Weingarden – The Lakeshore News Staff
The Government of Canada and Town of Tecumseh are partnering to make a rail crossing on Lesperance Road safer and easier to traverse for drivers, pedestrians and other road users.
The $2.1-million project announced Friday by Irek Kusmierczyk, member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, and Gary McNamara, mayor of the Town of Tecumseh, will also transform the street north of the at-grade VIA Rail crossing into a more attractive public space.
The federal government is investing $1,027,200 in the project as part of its commitment to improving rail safety and increasing public awareness and confidence in Canada’s rail transportation system.
The Town is contributing $1,105,000 and has begun detailed design of the improvements to the Lesperance Road rail crossing, which is located between Tecumseh Road and First Street.
“Our community understands the importance of making our railroads as safe as possible, and we remember the tragic accidents that have impacted families in Tecumseh and Windsor. This important investment from our federal government and the Town will help make one of the busiest and most important rail crossings in Tecumseh safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.” said Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh.
Tecumseh is also in the process of securing properties and easements required to make the crossing improvements and connect them into the intersection of Lesperance Road and Tecumseh Road to the south. Construction is expected to start in mid-August, once advance work required by VIA Rail is complete.
During the approximately 10 weeks of construction, traffic will be detoured around the project area.
The modernization project being undertaken by the Town with the assistance of the federal Rail Safety Improvement Program funding will ensure that the gradient of the crossing approach meets current safety standards.
As well as making the rail crossing safer and more functional, the improvements will contribute to the beautification of Tecumseh’s downtown.
“We recognize the crossing on Lesperance is a vital north-south transportation link in the Town and are extremely pleased that Transport Canada has approved funding to improve the safety and functioning of the crossing,” said Gary McNamara, mayor of the Town of Tecumseh
“The project also provides an opportunity to implement a small segment of the Tecumseh Road CIP Streetscaping Project to showcase the planned improvements in our downtown area. Thank you, Irek, for your support and assistance with securing this important funding for our Town.”
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