Railway underpass to close during overnight

By James Tubb on July 21, 2023.

The pedestrian railway underpass will be closed starting in September during the overnight to curb drug use, crime and promote “secure areas” in a new city program that will initially focus on the passageway between North and South Railway streets.
The delay is caused by upgrades to sidewalks one block south on First Street that will become the only pedestrian access between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. from downtown to areas east of the Canadian Pacific railyard.
Pat Bohan, the head of the city’s development and infrastructure division, said the decision was made in consultation with a working group and struck recently on accessibility.
“Even if the risk is born from innocent intentions like folks just trying to keep warm the city has an obligation to do our best to protect from unintended consequences when we are aware of a safety concern that is preventable,” he said.
“We believe the closure will have minimal negative impact to peoples’ ability to get around at night but offer the maximum opportunity to prevent serious accidental outcomes.”
“We’re unsure if the program will expand to other initiatives, but we can certainly see the potential as we continue to ensure all of our infrastructure is used safely and as intended,” added Bohan.
Medicine Hat Police Service did not respond to a News request for comment and any statistics they have about the area.
Recently, council approved funding security at the Medicine Hat Transit terminal, about two blocks away, to provide 24 hour access to washrooms.
One business owner in the area said tunnel’s closure overnight is needed and will improve the ambience of the area.
“You’ve got an underpass one block away that is well lit and open,” said Isaac Maltin, who operates a barbershop on South Railway Street. “I don’t think it pigeon-holes anyone.
The city estimates about 600 pedestrians use the tunnel underpass each weekday in the tunnel that passes under the CP Rail lines at about Second Street, connects South and North Railway streets.
Railings on the First Street underpass will also be extended as part of the work, according to a city release.

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