Metrolinx looks at closing the Toll Road Railway Crossing

Councillors concerned over plan to close 'very well used' crossing

Newmarkettoday.ca
April 24, 2020
Miriam King

Toll Road first shows up in the records in 1854, as the “Amsterdam Government Plan.”

At one time it was the main road from Bradford to Holland Landing; now the gravel road runs from the Holland River bridge to Bathurst St., paralleling Yonge Street.

There are still a few houses and businesses along the road, including the South Simcoe Marina, and the old Toll-keeper’s house.

The Town of BWG also has watermain infrastructure on Toll Road, bringing water from its wells in King Township - which is why the Metrolinx plan to close the Toll Road railway crossing, just east of the Bradford bridge, raised red flags in BWG Council on Tuesday night.

The level crossing is equipped with flashing lights and gates, where it crosses the single GO train track. Metrolinx proposed closing the crossing back in 2018, ahead of plans to twin the train tracks and eventually convert the rail line to electricity.

Metrolinx argued that the crossing is unsafe, and cannot be upgraded to meet future plans.

The crossing is in King Twp., and staff there initially supported the closure. The recommendation was turned down by King Council, due to lack of public consultation.

Among the concerns were the impact on school bus routes, emergency response, and the loss of a by-pass route, in case of traffic closures on Yonge St.

For Bradford West Gwillimbury, the concern was the reduced access and longer travel time to the town’s watermain infrastructure.

The closure would create “a really long cul-de-sac from Bathurst Street,” noted Coun. Gary Lamb, who argued that Toll Road “certainly fulfills a function when Yonge Street is closed. I think we need to keep that open."

“It’s very well used,” agreed Coun. Peter Dykie. “I would like to see that kept open. We need to see the costs and what future plans have in store for that crossing.”

“It’s an important road for us, and that’s the problem,” said Deputy Mayor James Leduc, suggesting that the town may have to make a cost contribution to Metrolinx if it wants to keep the crossing open.

Currently, King Twp pays approximately $4,000 per year as its share of the cost of maintaining the crossing.

“Toll Road in my view is an important road,” said Coun. Mark Contois. “Private Drive -- is that the next one (Metrolinx) is going to look at closing?”

He suggested the Toll Road Crossing be kept open at least until the Bradford Bypass linking Hwy. 400 and 404 is built.

Director of Community Services Terry Foran noted that town staff use the crossing daily, to access water infrastructure. “We’re under constant inspection at all of the wells,” Foran said. “Our staff are in and out of there on a daily basis.”

Council voted to authorize staff to begin discussions with Metrolinx, York Region and King Township on “potential understanding and budget implications, to either close or upgrade the Toll Road Rail Crossing and report back to Council.”

“It’s a no-brainer from the BWG side,” said Coun. Gary Baynes. “I’m all in for participating with Metrolinx and King.”