The City of Airdrie said they are looking at options for a drain tunnel and pedestrian walkway near Luxstone.

Several residents have voiced their concerns on social media regarding a box culvert that links Luxstone with Nose Creek Park.

Bob Neale, Team Lead For Airdrie's Capital Projects said the structure was originally built to help with drainage but was later reconfigured for another purpose.

"In 2007/2008, the City recognized that there was a pedestrian desire line between the Luxstone area and Nose Creek Park and modified the south box culvert to accommodate pedestrians."

While the culvert is usable for pedestrians, Neale said the structure has become a safety concern as a result of seasonal conditions.

"During the winter [there's] freezing and ice buildup. During the spring, flooding caused by high flows of the water during the spring runoff. Between that combination, it has eliminated the use of the culvert for periods of time."

With winter conditions causing ice to build up on the pathway right now, many pedestrians have resorted to crossing the train tracks which Neale said also presents a concern.

Neale said the City is looking at options for what to do with the structure in the near future.

"We want to put a second box culvert tunnel underneath the tracks to provide pedestrian access. We're right at the feasibility stage where we're getting acceptance from CP Rail that this is an acceptable solution."

Right now there's no official word as to the timeline for these plans.

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com