The decision about the Airport Trail tunnel is still in the dark after incorrect wording stalled a decision in council yesterday, according to the alderman who tabled the motion.
However, the support from community members and aldermen is still strong to get the Airport Trail tunnel included in the draft Calgary transportation plan.
“It was disappointing,” said Ald. Jim Stevenson about the vote being put off.
Stevenson still remains optimistic as only one alderman opposed the decision at council.
“I think we will have the support on the (June) 23 to get it put back in the transportation plan.”
Support for the building of the transportation infrastructure can also be found in 14 community associations.
“We will have a strong representation to speak to it because we have literally hundreds of thousands of people deeply concerned about the tunnel being left out of the transportation plan,” said Grant Galpin, spokesperson for the Airport Trail Access Committee.
Galpin said that leaving out the Airport Trail tunnel would affect the potential for a direct LRT link to the terminal and be problematic for emergency services vehicles trying to access the airport. It would help alleviate traffic tie-up when Barlow Trail closes.
Galpin said that they have community associations on both sides of the Deerfoot concerned about the traffic issues it may cause.
For area residents to fully understand the issues involved, a public town hall meeting will be held May 30 at the Falconridge/Castleridge Community Centre.
“There is an opportunity for residents to speak to the issue and express their strong concerns about the tunnel being left out,” said Galpin. The town hall meeting will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
