Waverley underpass project gets OK from executive policy committee

Winnipeg driversfrustrated by long train delays at the WaverleyStreet crossing are one vote away from knowing if something will finally be done.

The proposed $155-million Waverleyunderpass project was given a thumbs up by the city's executive policy committee on Wednesday morning. It heads to council next week for a final vote.

Wednesday'sdiscussion around the project wasn't nearly as hostileas last week's debate, when the city's public works committee heard from somecouncillors who were angryabout what they said wasa lack of information about the plan.

They also criticizedthe cost-benefit analysis done on the project by city staff andsaidtheywould need more details before they would considerapprovingthe work.

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The EPC, however, iscomposed of the mayor's closest allies and Mayor Brian Bowman has long pushed for the underpass.

The debate at council will likely be a little more heated as some councillors have called for the project to be delayed untila task force, headed by former Quebec premier Jean Charest, canexaminethe possible relocation of rail yards out of Winnipeg.

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