Surrey has released conceptual renderings of a Crescent Beach overpass that will allow vehicle traffic to flow during train crossings or stoppages.

Since 2010, there have been 16 incidents lasting from 10 minutes to three hours where all vehicle traffic going in and out of Crescent Beach was at a stand sill due to a train blocking the at-grade crossing. The presentation by city staff included solutions to monitor, reduce and prevent train blockages in the Crescent Beach neighbourhood.

“Without any other way for emergency vehicles to get in or out of Crescent Beach during an unscheduled train stoppage is a safety issue that has gone on for far too long,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “Ensuring emergency vehicles have access to all neighbourhoods is essential. Until we have a bypass that allows vehicles to move regardless of train traffic or stoppages, there remains a significant risk to public safety. With Crescent Beach becoming increasingly popular over the recent years, it is long overdue that we find a solution to this chronic problem. Council and I are eager to move on advancing  this much needed overpass project so we can create a safer community for both residents and visitors.”

The Crescent Beach community is located on a peninsula that is approximately 142 acres in area, containing 390 properties, most of which are single family residences. Access to and from the community requires crossing a BNSF rail line, which has been operating since the early 1900’s, connecting Vancouver to the US Border.

Crescent Beach has two at-grade access roads which cross the rail line, with the primary crossing along Beecher Street and Crescent Road, as well as secondary access point on McBride Avenue.