The train line that passes through the Town of Mount-Royal (TMR) and into the Mount-Royal Tunnel is an essential urban link for workers, and it’s about to undergo a major change with the conversion to new light rail system, the Réseau express métropolitain (REM). Now, the REM has released plans and sketches showing exactly what the new station in central TMR will look like.
The new station “will feature wood and the transparency of glass,” to better integrate with surrounding buildings. It will sit right next to the historic old station, which is now home to a pizzeria, the REM organization wrote on its website.
Like all REM stations, the Mount-Royal one will feature elevators as well as platform screen doors to improve accessibility and safety. It will also be sheltered on its entire length, so users can await trains comfortably, even in our worst Quebec weather.
The new station will span the entire width of the tracks, sitting directly next to Cornwall Avenue. This will add a public space at the entrance that will serve as a meeting spot and improve the flow of pedestrian traffic in this heavily-used transportation hub. In addition, the grade crossing at Lazard and Jasper avenues will be replaced with a pedestrian/cyclist/stroller accessible bridge.
Click here to view preliminary drawings of the future station!
TMR citizens previously expressed concerns about the REM’s usage of their neighborhood’s rail lines. Frequent trains (over 500 per day) and noise concerns were on everyone’s mind – to address this, the REM included a statement on its website:
“REM will run more frequently than the current train (> 500 times per day). While trips will be more frequent, it is important to note that REM is a light rail line, which is a very different type of technology than the current train. Trains will be more modern and quieter. The sound level will be reduced in many facets:
The braking system (one of the primary sources of noise) will be quieter.
Several other sources of railway noise will be decreased: engine propulsion, wheel/rail friction, fans, etc.
Trains will be shorter, therefore they will pass more quickly.
Stations will now be enclosed, so the new buildings will dampen the sound near the stations.
Grade crossing alarms will no longer sound, since they will be eliminated.
A sound level analysis is currently underway to give us an accurate picture of the projected situation. We will share the results transparently with the public and elected officials alike. A citizens’ committee will also be set up to ensure the REM’s integration by implementing permanent mitigation measures before it is commissioned.”