19th Avenue Railway Crossing UPDATE

If you regularly travel along 19th Avenue just west of Bayview Avenue, you’re likely familiar with the railway crossing and know to slow down due to:

• Changes in road surface elevation

• Two sets of railway tracks at different elevations and on a curve

• Tracks intersecting the road at uneven angles

  
  

Those unfamiliar with the crossing who drive through at the posted speed limit often experience a jarring ride they won’t soon forget.

I’m pleased to report that I was able to secure the installation of signage warning drivers about uneven pavement, along with new advisory signs recommending a reduced speed of 50 km/h.

19th Avenue Railway Crossing

As traffic increases at surface-level railway crossings like this one, we’re seeing faster deterioration of both the tracks and road surface. In fact, interim repairs have been necessary here four times in the last 15 years. You might be surprised to learn that the responsibility for monitoring and maintaining surface conditions at railway crossings on Regional Roads lies jointly with York Region and the railway authorities—not the City.

That said, it hasn’t stopped me from continuing to advocate for a more permanent fix. While I can’t yet speak to the final outcome, I can confirm that discussions are underway between York Region’s Asset Management Team and key stakeholders—including CN and GO Transit—to assess the crossing and surrounding area. The goal is to better understand long-term options, costs, and lifecycle considerations to help inform future planning and decision-making.