More than a few people were late getting into work Wednesday (Aug. 31) thanks to CN Rail.
A train occupied the train crossing at Cleveland Avenue for at least 20 minutes, according to people trying to get in and out of the Downtown area. Witnesses estimate the train blocked the road starting at just after 9 a.m. and remained on the tracks until approximately 9:30 a.m.
The Chief's attempt to get a more precise timeline from CN failed to produce any additional information. Attempts to reach Graham Dallas, CN's media relations officer based in Vancouver, failed because his voice mailboxes were full Thursday (Sept. 1) at the time The Chief tried to reach him. A message left for Jim Feeny, a media relations officer based in Edmonton, was not returned as of The Chief's press deadline.
Traffic on the north side of the crossing was backed up all the way to Highway 99. A number of the vehicles caught in the line up gave up waiting and abandoned their attempt to get into the Downtown.
Traffic on the south side of rail crossing was backed up deep into the Downtown area.
-with files from Sylvie [email protected]
