Metrolinx negotiations with CN Rail ongoing for Kitchener GO
Higher volume service to Kitchener will take 'a number of years,' says official
Things are moving along with Metrolinx plans for the Kitchener corridor, but not as fast as Waterloo region residents may want.
"I know people in Kitchener are very anxious, but the initial indications for the [freight train] bypass is that it's quite a substantial amount of work," said Gord Troughton, director of the Kitchener corridor infrastructure.
The company is negotiating with CN Rail to build a 30-kilometre freight bypass in order for passenger trains to use the existing rail owned by CN between Georgetown and Bramalea. Waterloo Regional council was updated on the decision in August.
Troughton told CBC News they are currently working on a feasibility study of the freight bypass and will finalize the agreement for early next year.
"It'll still be a number of years for the higher volume service to get out to Kitchener," he said.
The second track to Kitchener won't be put in until negotiations and environmental assessments are finished.
Troughton quoted seven years as the goal to start passenger service on the second track.