It's full steam ahead on the reinstallation of railway tracks in the city's downtown core.

With no need for debate Tuesday, city council unanimously approved the awarding of a $187,255 contract to D&S Railway Construction of Stevensville in the Niagara Peninsula to reinstall approximately 1,600 feet of track as part of the revitalization of the London & Port Stanley railway corridor.

Ald. Mark Cosens praised the undertaking as "a monumental event" which will see the new rails connect the existing track south of Centre Street to the site of the replica L&PS station now being readied north of Talbot Street.

As part of the revitalization project, the city has entered into an agreement with Port Stanley Terminal Rail (PSTR)to develop the rail track plan - in conjunction with Ron Koudys Landscape Architects of London - and oversee laying of the rail.

It is expected by this summer PSTR will run a limited number of tourist trains up the new line across Talbot Street to the station. The trains will cross the roadway under the protection of a flagman.

The project is expected to take two weeks and will be coordinated with the Moore Street reconstruction work now underway which will see the temporary closing of Talbot Street, between Moore Street and Princess Avenue, for underground servicing.