Photo provided by City of St. Thomas
After years of delays and temporary fixes, the City of St. Thomas and MP Andrew Lawton are renewing their push to see key rail crossings and bridges properly repaired — projects they say are essential for safety, access, and community growth.
Following countless letters and meetings, the City and Lawton recently sat down with CN Rail representatives to push for progress on several long-standing issues, including the rough conditions at the First Avenue rail crossing, the long-delayed reconstruction of the Barwick Street bridge, and the future of the London & Port Stanley (L&PS) Rail line.
Mayor Joe Preston says the people of St. Thomas have waited long enough for permanent fixes.
“Residents deserve transparency and action,” Preston said. “The City has been patient and cooperative, but our community has waited long enough. These are matters of safety and access, and we need CN to work with us toward lasting, permanent solutions.”
The First Avenue crossing has been a particular concern for drivers. Earlier this year, the City hired a local paving company to make temporary repairs after the crossing became rough and uneven. Those fixes helped for a time, but the surface has started to break down again. CN has now agreed more substantial repairs are needed to address deeper infrastructure problems beneath the tracks.
The Barwick Street bridge, meanwhile, has been on the City’s radar for decades. St. Thomas first approached CN about rebuilding the bridge nearly 40 years ago, and renewed its offer to collaborate in 2024. CN didn’t respond until August of this year — more than a year later — and only allowed five days for the City to reply.
Lawton says that kind of delay isn’t good enough.
We value CN’s willingness to meet and discuss these projects, but the time for discussion has passed,” he said. “What St. Thomas needs now are clear commitments, firm timelines, and lasting repairs.”
Both Lawton and Preston also remain committed to the eventual reconnection of the L&PS Rail line — a project they say could boost local transportation options and economic development.
Mayor Preston added, “We’re proud of our history as The Railway City and value strong partnerships – but partnership must come with accountability. The state of these crossings and bridges directly affects safety, mobility, and our community’s growth.”
The City and Lawton’s office say they’ll continue to work together and keep residents informed as discussions with CN move forward.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
