Converting abandoned railways to active transportation routes: creating a framework for the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Date
2019-03
Authors
Erlanger, Michael R.
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Abstract
The proposed research explored the conversion of existing abandoned railway corridors to Active Transportation (AT) routes. This project was inspired by the work of the “Rails to Trails” movement in North America (Ackelson, 1996).
A maximum of three precedents (two international and one domestic) were studied. Each of the example projects were in cities that have characteristics similar to Winnipeg, Manitoba. These characteristics included size, climate, density, growth and topography. The research aimed to help create a potential framework for the cycling and pedestrian community in Winnipeg. This framework led to improved transportation solutions throughout the city, thus enabling citizens to experience the efficiency, health benefits, and added economic benefits, as well as a greater sense of neighbourhood appreciation – all while using the renewable resource of the abandoned railway.
The majority of the research proposed for this project was drawn from precedents beyond Manitoba. However, the information gathered provided lessons learned for the conversion of abandoned railway corridors to AT routes in Winnipeg itself. Winnipeg could benefit greatly from understanding how other cities have capitalized on these under-utilized resources and taken advantage of existing transportation networks.
The precedent research focused on cyclists and pedestrians, who were commuting to and from work, as well as recreational users. Research explored what these cities have experienced in the development of their specific projects. It examined how stakeholders achieved favourable outcomes as well as addressed unforeseen challenges during the process.
Factors that were considered in the precedent studies included railway company participation, environmental concerns, route connectivity and accessibility, economic development, project costs, community engagement, funding opportunities, and operations and maintenance. Social and health benefits were other key considerations in the development of this type of infrastructure. As well, how these AT corridors perform in winter cities, where climate and seasonal differences are key considerations, may aid Winnipeg in developing this type of infrastructure.
The study compared each city’s characteristics and looked at the different strategies used to gain consensus on how their projects came to fruition. Lessons learned were a key outcome from the research.
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Keywords
Abandonment, Active, Transportation, Bike, Trail, Brownfield, Connectivity, Conversion, Corridor, Rail, Cyclist, Infrastructure, Pedestrian, Planning, Railbanking, Line, Railroad, Railway, Remediation, Right-of-way, Cycling, Route, Winter, City
Citation
APA