Roadwork pain, light rail gain
You have to break eggs to make an omelette and you have to break roads to make Waterloo Region’s light rail train system.
Frustrated drivers navigating the streets of Kitchener and Waterloo this week and suddenly awakening to the new reality of roadblocks, traffic jams and unexpected, unwanted delays should keep this in mind — and keep calm. So should the businesses located in the construction zones and worrying about lost customers, though this won’t be easy.
Whether you’re talking omelettes or rapid transit, those who temporarily endure a bit of a mess will eventually be rewarded with a remarkable and very satisfying creation.
We know it won’t seem this way to a lot of people now that the pre-construction of the light rail line is seriously underway. Underground services, including water, sewer and gas lines, are being moved to the sides of the streets down which the trains will travel. That’s so in future they can be dug up if necessary without disrupting the trains.
A long stretch of Caroline Street is torn up in Waterloo. Last week, road work in Kitchener began along sections of King and Charles streets. In some cases, the roads are closed. In others, they’re open to one-way traffic only. And watch out — some of the holes in the ground are six metres (20 feet) deep.
Two things make the situation even more challenging. First, this isn’t a momentary inconvenience. It will last for months. Some parts of King Street will be shut for a year and a half. The tracks still have to be laid and the trains won’t start running until 2017. We’ve only just begun.
Second, roadwork must be done along the full 19-kilomtre length of the light rail line. Just as drivers get used to navigating around closed roads in one area, the streets in another part of town will be shut down.
For those who can’t stand light rail no matter what, all this will simply be more proof it’s all a big mistake. But for those who recognize how this major infrastructure project will benefit the community by intensifying urban cores, limiting urban sprawl and providing more efficient and comfortable public transit, it’s clear the construction pains will bring real gains.
So, in the months ahead, we would urge everyone to learn to cope with the roadwork. Find out where the construction is happening. The Record will regularly report where streets are fully or partially closed. If you go to the Ion website (http://rideion.ca/) you’ll also be able to access current information on what’s going on with the roads. All this can help you plan your trips and, when possible, avoid delays.
Don’t forget about all the businesses that will also be impacted by this work. While it’s unreasonable to expect regional taxpayers to compensate merchants for any losses, there’s a strong argument for people making an extra effort to support these enterprises. And also remember that, while all this work is hurting a part of the local retail sector, it is also pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy. That’s a good thing.
Now it’s time to adjust to life in a big construction zone. Remember that patience is a virtue. The next time you see a “Road closed” sign, take a deep breath and take a detour.