After debating late into the evening, Calgary city council narrowly voted just after midnight Tuesday to build the controversial tunnel to the airport.
Councillors voted eight to seven in favour of going ahead with the project, which proponents argued is needed because of the expansion at the Calgary International Airport.
In the spring, the airport is set to start building a new 4,270 metre runway. Calgary Airport Authority is the 4th busiest aiport for passenger traffic and third busiest by aircraft movements in Canada. The runway will be the longest in Canada. This is because aircraft require more distance to take off at higher elevations because of the reduced air density associated with altitude and the airports need to accomodate the largest airplanes operating.
The proposed tunnel would compensate for the loss of access to the airport via Barlow Trail from McKnight Bloulevard.
Mayor Nenshi is thrilled with the council’s decision and confident that negotiations with the Calgary Airport Authority will produce an agreement.
But a council vote in favour may not be enough to guarantee the tunnel goes ahead.
The Calgary Airport Authority issued a brief news release Tuesday morning saying it is hopeful an agreement can be reached with the city, but complicated and critical items have yet to be addressed.
The release cites the need to meet current and future air travel and cargo demand and says the authority is commiteed to having the new runway in service as quickly as possible.
Tags: Calgary Airport Authority, Calgary Airport Tunnel, Calgary Current Events