Cyclists who commute along Carling Avenue say the CN Rail underpass is too dangerous. CBC

The City of Ottawa’s transportation committee approved a motion to improve a stretch of Carling Avenue on Wednesday.

The roadway between Moodie Drive and Herzberg Road is considered dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. The unpaved shoulder is riddled with pot-holes, and cyclists and cars are forced to share one lane of traffic, with many vehicles speeding by at upwards of 80 km/h.

Cycling advocates have called that stretch of Carling Avenue one of the most treacherous in the west end.

Alex deVries, who maintains Ottawa Biking Problems, a blog devoted to trouble spots encountered by cyclists throughout the city, says this particular bit of roadway is a cause of much worry.

“I get a lot of complaints,” he said. “This is the most complained about location in the city.”

The improvements could see repaved shoulders and increased signage to remind drivers to share the road by the end of this year. The motion also looks at the possibility of expanding the narrow passage under the Canadian National Railway bridge, just off Herzberg Road.

Alex Cullen, councillor for Bay Ward, says responsibility for the bridge is shared by the city, CN Rail and Transport Canada, whose minister is Chuck Strahl.

“We will have to work with his [Strahl] office and try to put pressure on CNR,” he said. “I would look for a partnership to get this done, but it needs to be done.”

The motion goes to city council next week for final approval.