Photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo Inc. / lsantilliPhoto courtesy of © Can Stock Photo Inc. / lsantilli
Sarnia

Gap In Trail System A Concern

Efforts are underway to make conditions safer for cyclists riding near the Sun Curve on Vidal St. S.

There's a gap between the St. Clair River Trail and Bluewater Trail in that area near the CSX rail yard.

Right now, riders are forced to use either the busy overpass or a nearby gravel path which is now closed.

Sarnia Transportation Manager David Jackson says they've tried to work with CSX on the issue for a number of years, but adds the company hasn't been willing to cooperate.

An appeal has been made to the Canadian Transportation Agency, with the hope of forcing CSX to the table for discussion.

The city is willing to go through mediation as a first step, but is waiting to hear back from the rail company.

Jackson says the area is the only known gap in the 2,100 km Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

Options to improve safety could include installing a fence, or automatic gates with flashing lights.

He says the cost could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but says it may be possible to tap into some funding under Ontario's Municipal Commuter Cycling Program.

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