Waverley underpass funding announcement blasted by bullhorn

Thousands of Winnipeg drivers are likely breathing a sigh of relief as funding was announced Thursday to build a $155-millionunderpass at the railway crossing at Waverley Street and Taylor Avenue.

But the news hadone opponent blowing his horn in protest.

"It's a pleasure to announce federal support for a project I have advocatedfor since first day I took office," Winnipeg South Centre ConservativeMP JoyceBatemansaid.

Robert Kury pulled out a bullhorn during her speech, yelling,"This isn't about safety!"

Thetrain crossing has long been the bane of drivers, who are often lined up waiting on one of the 40 trains that cross Waverley at that spot everyday.

The city estimates 30,000vehicles cross the tracks every day.

The federal and provincial governments are each contributing $45.9 million, while the city said its share is $63 million.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman thanked the federal and provincial governments for helping to move the project forward.

"We're grateful for your collaboration and for your commitment to funding this key infrastructure project that will have a significant impact for Winnipeggers," he said.

• Councillor calls on Winnipeggers to push for Waverley underpass
• Winnipeggers get glimpse at Waverley Street underpass designs

Earlier this year,River HeightsFort Garry Coun. John Orlikow saidthe design work for an underpass was done but the one thing holding backthe start of construction was money.

OnThursday, Orlikow saidit's been a "long road," but he's pleased the project is finally moving forward.

Underpass will create 'horrendous' traffic

Kurysaidhe believes the underpass will create problems for the neighbourhood.

"Take a look to the north! What do you see? You see a residential area. Is that where you send 100,000 vehicles?" he exclaimed.

"Future traffic is going to be horrendous in this neighbourhood, and you take a look at all the schools in this neighbourhood, you take a look at all the playgrounds in this neighbourhood. There's a lot of children, there's a lot of seniors in this area."

Announcement comes on cusp of election call

Officials said there was no timeline for construction or completion available.

The announcement comes as Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to prompt an early start to the fall'sfederal election.

• Federal election 2015: How a long campaign will benefit the cash-rich Tories

Bateman's Liberal rival in Winnipeg South Centre, Jim Carr, said the announcement is part of the Conservatives' election strategy.

"The federal government has taken nine long years to respond to the infrastructure needs of southwest Winnipeg by finally agreeing to cost-share the construction costs of the Waverley underpass," he said in a statement.

"Unfortunately it took an election campaign for Stephen Harper, Joyce Bateman and the Conservative government to make an announcement that should have been made years ago."