Frequently asked questions
Is this track work on Bathurst Street between St Clair Avenue and Bathurst Station really needed?
Yes, the TTC has identified this corridor as part of the TTC’s state of good repair program. The rail and track allowance are in poor condition and are in need of repair. The TTC uses this section of Bathurst Street to route streetcars to the St. Clair line and to the TTC’s Hillcrest facility where major repairs to streetcars are made.
How will the track construction be phased?
The track work will be divided into three separate work phases. The first phase extends from St. Clair Avenue West to Bridgman Avenue including Vaughan Road. Crews will start at the north end and at the south end simultaneously in order to expedite completion of the work in this section. The second phase extends from London Street (just north of Bathurst Station) to Dupont Street. Work in this section will begin with watermain replacement starting at the same time as Stage 1. The third phase includes track work as well as rehabilitation work to the CPR Overpass just north of Dupont Street.
How long will the new tracks last?
Reconstruction of the TTC’s streetcar track network is based on a new design standard and a life cycle approach replacement. This design and construction method is different and a considerable improvement from the last time the Bathurst streetcar tracks was constructed. The new tracks will require a reduced amount of track maintenance over the years to come and will last about 30 years.
What is rail welding?
Before streetcar track reconstruction begins, the TTC will deliver, weld and store rail for the new streetcar tracks. Rail welding involves welding standard lengths of rail into longer strings to allow for a much faster track construction thereby reducing disruption to local communities. In addition, the welded rail will result in a smoother, quieter ride for streetcars.
Where are the streetcar rails being welded and stored?
We plan to have two welding/storage locations on Bathurst Street, one for phase 1 and one for phases 2 and 3 of the project. Notices have been distributed to the communities near the welding/storage locations. Storage of the welded rail will be in the northbound curb lane just south of Bloor Street and in the southbound curb lane just south of St. Clair Avenue. During this preliminary construction activity, transit service on Bathurst Street will be maintained.
What traffic restrictions will be in place during construction?
During track reconstruction, the southbound lanes on Bathurst Street will be closed and one lane for northbound traffic will be maintained. During work at the CPR Overpass, at least one direction of traffic will be maintained through the work area; however, the work will involve multiple phases and changes to the traffic flow as construction progresses. Track reconstruction at the Davenport Road, Dupont Street and TTC Hillcrest complex intersections will be scheduled as weekend closures.
What will happen to transit service during construction?
The phases of construction will require the 7 BATHURST bus service to be re-routed around the active construction areas. Buses must have room to safely operate and pick-up passengers, and this will not be possible through the active construction areas. The TTC will publicize and post updated service changes along the impacted sections and at various subway stations. In addition, TTC will hand out the information to customers riding the 7 BATHURST buses as well as provide the information to local BIAs at their request for their use. For up-to-date service details call the TTC Information Line at (416) 393-INFO (4636) or visit www.ttc.ca.
Will access to driveways, businesses and side streets along Bathurst Street be maintained while construction is taking place?
Access to streets and properties will be maintained at all times; in some cases, one-way streets connecting to Bathurst Street may be temporarily converted into two-way streets. One access to Burnside Drive (situated on the west side of Bathurst Street north of Davenport Road) will be maintained at all times during construction.
Will on-street parking be provided?
The construction process will occupy three lanes. In order to maintain one lane for vehicles, no parking will be permitted in the active construction zones. As construction progresses parking will be reinstated when it is safe to do so.
How will construction impacts be managed?
The City and the TTC will work closely with the contractors to speed up all aspects of the construction process. By dividing the work into three phases, construction impacts will be easier to manage and will reduce disruption to the local communities and businesses. We also encourage you to contact us if you are having any issues that arise from construction activities. We will work with you to try and find a reasonable solution to your concerns.
What will the hours of construction be?
Streetcar track construction is a 24-hour operation, 7 days per week. All heavy construction work will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Friday. Weekend work will take place when required. Working during the night is necessary to maintain the progression of this project. During the overnight hours the TTC will be carrying out activities related to rail installation. However, at times the TTC workers may need to drag rail and weld to continue the installation of the rail in preparation for the following day’s work. Without overnight work, the time to complete the construction and return transit service would double.
Will the construction be noisy?
As with any major construction project, noise can be expected. Track installation will proceed on a continuous 24-hour per day basis throughout the week with weekend work as required. Noise associated with welding and track construction activities should be expected at all times. However, efforts will be made to minimize construction noise during the periods of night work.
How will emergency vehicles move along or across the street?
Toronto Fire, Police and EMS services are made aware of construction well in advance of the start of construction. They are prepared and plan to take a different route. As well, the contractor is responsible for managing access through the active work zone for emergency vehicles if required.
What will happen to the garbage and recycling collection schedules?
Recycling and garbage collection schedules on Bathurst Street will not change during the construction period. Follow your normal routine. Please label your bins with your address and place them as close to the usual location as possible. If necessary during construction, your bins may be temporarily moved by the contractor but they will be returned to your usual location.
How can I keep informed about the project?
Contact Lisa Di Clemente at the City of Toronto:ldiclem@toronto.ca
416-392-2983 (Tel.)
416-392-2974 (Fax)
For the TTC contact Diego Sinagoga
416-393-2197
For
TTC schedules, multilingual services
TTC Information Line: 416-393-4636 and www.ttc.ca
TTC Customer Services: 416-393-3030
TTY: 416-481-2523
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