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Tunnel work scheduled for 2004 is now complete. The sidewalk has been reopened for pedestrians and cyclists.

PEDESTRIAN TRANSPORTATION SERVICES THROUGH THE THOROLD TUNNEL

The north tube of the Thorold Tunnel will be closed by MTO for rehabilitation from April 1, 2004 until mid-September 2004. For the purposes of transporting pedestrians through the Tunnel, a wheel chair accessible shuttle capable of carrying a minimum of 4 passengers and bicycles is to be provided. This service is a requirement of the contract to provide pedestrians and bicycle traffic safe passage through the Thorold Tunnel during construction operations in the north tube, as all access to the existing sidewalk will be cut off. Bicyclists are not allowed in the south tube.

Thorold Tunnel Shuttle Access, due to north tube being closed for construction April through October 2004 effective immediately.

Shuttle is a small bus capable of carrying 4 passengers/bicycles and wheel chair accessible.

It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is to operate continuously doing the loop, with the waiting expected to be about a maximum of 10-15 min.

Pickup/drop-off points, west side corner Ormond & Richmond, east side Davis & Thorold Rd. Locations will be signed.

Although the time period for the work extends into October they are hoping that they may be able to complete the work by mid to late August.

Questions should be directed to Pete Parker CA, of Henderson Paddon And Associates Ltd. Tel. 905 680 2750, E-Mail hpa4@sympatico.ca

Still wondering how the Thorold Tunnel shuttle works? Here's one cyclist's experience having used it once in each direction the past few days.

West Side: Take Patricia Street from Richmond to the sidewalk and along the sidewalk to where the sidewalk heads down to the tunnel. The sidewalk is marked off at this point with signs saying closed and to press the bell
for the shuttle. Waiting time is given as roughly 10 minutes.

East Side: Go to the traffic lights just before the tunnel to where the gravel trail begins to the tunnel. There you'll find a similar sign saying press bell for the shuttle and wait about 10 minutes.

Route:
Eastbound: Patricia, Richmond, Pine, Highway 58, Collier, Highway 58, Thorold Stone Road, Thorold Townline, Old Thorold Stone Road, Davis Road.

Westbound: Highway 58, Collier, Highway 58, Pine, Richmond, Patricia.

The shuttle itself is a small white school type bus. Bicycles are loaded through the back door, while cyclists board the front door. Driver assists with opening the doors and helped me load and unload my recumbent. The
driver says she has been carrying mostly cyclists and has not carried more than 3 at a time.