Build the Barrhaven Rail Overpass/Underpass Now
Build the Barrhaven Rail Overpass/Underpass Now
The Issue
Build the Barrhaven Rail Overpass/Underpass Now
For more than a decade, residents of Barrhaven have been asking governments to address the safety risks where busy roads cross the VIA Rail corridor near Fallowfield Road and Woodroffe Avenue.
After the tragic 2013 OC Transpo–VIA Rail collision that claimed six lives, I brought forward a public petition in 2014 calling for an overpass or underpass at these crossings. CBC Ottawa reported on that effort:
In March 2025, I raised the issue again in an Ottawa Citizen opinion article, calling for federal leadership and accountability and urging newly appointed Prime Minister and Nepean MP Mark Carney to pay attention to the infrastructure needs of this growing community:
Now, on August 30, 2026, another serious incident involving a VIA Rail train and a vehicle has occurred in the same Barrhaven rail corridor.
The circumstances of this latest incident must be determined by the proper authorities. But we do not need another investigation to understand the larger issue:
As long as trains and road vehicles continue to cross at the same level, the risk of another serious collision remains.
Barrhaven is one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing communities. Traffic has increased, rail service continues, and residents have waited long enough for a permanent solution.
We respectfully call on:
Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Government of Canada
Premier Doug Ford and the Government of Ontario
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the City of Ottawa
to work together and:
1. Commit the funding required to build permanent grade separation — an overpass or underpass — at the Barrhaven rail crossings.
2. Publish a clear construction and completion timetable.
3. Implement appropriate interim safety measures with VIA Rail and Transport Canada until the permanent solution is built.
This is not about political blame.
It is about public safety, accountability and action.
We petitioned more than a decade ago. We raised the issue again in 2025. Another serious incident has now occurred.
Barrhaven residents should not have to wait for another tragedy before governments act.
Enough delay. Build the permanent solution. Separate the road from the railway.
Please sign and share this petition.
60
The Issue
Build the Barrhaven Rail Overpass/Underpass Now
For more than a decade, residents of Barrhaven have been asking governments to address the safety risks where busy roads cross the VIA Rail corridor near Fallowfield Road and Woodroffe Avenue.
After the tragic 2013 OC Transpo–VIA Rail collision that claimed six lives, I brought forward a public petition in 2014 calling for an overpass or underpass at these crossings. CBC Ottawa reported on that effort:
In March 2025, I raised the issue again in an Ottawa Citizen opinion article, calling for federal leadership and accountability and urging newly appointed Prime Minister and Nepean MP Mark Carney to pay attention to the infrastructure needs of this growing community:
Now, on August 30, 2026, another serious incident involving a VIA Rail train and a vehicle has occurred in the same Barrhaven rail corridor.
The circumstances of this latest incident must be determined by the proper authorities. But we do not need another investigation to understand the larger issue:
As long as trains and road vehicles continue to cross at the same level, the risk of another serious collision remains.
Barrhaven is one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing communities. Traffic has increased, rail service continues, and residents have waited long enough for a permanent solution.
We respectfully call on:
Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Government of Canada
Premier Doug Ford and the Government of Ontario
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the City of Ottawa
to work together and:
1. Commit the funding required to build permanent grade separation — an overpass or underpass — at the Barrhaven rail crossings.
2. Publish a clear construction and completion timetable.
3. Implement appropriate interim safety measures with VIA Rail and Transport Canada until the permanent solution is built.
This is not about political blame.
It is about public safety, accountability and action.
We petitioned more than a decade ago. We raised the issue again in 2025. Another serious incident has now occurred.
Barrhaven residents should not have to wait for another tragedy before governments act.
Enough delay. Build the permanent solution. Separate the road from the railway.
Please sign and share this petition.
Petition Updates
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Petition created on August 30, 2026