February 12, 1998
Ms.Novina Wong
Clerk
City of Toronto
Station 1071, 7th Floor
Metro Hall
55 John Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 3C8
Dear Ms. Wong:
At its meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 1998, the Commission considered the attached report entitled, AProject Approval For Rail Replacement Along The Queensway Streetcar Line@.
The Commission approved the Recommendation contained in the above report, as listed below:
A
It is recommended that the Commission approve:
(1) project approval in the amount of $1,350,000.00 under 1.2 Surface Track for the installation of new continuous welded rail on The Queensway line from Parkside Drive Bridge up to, and including, the Humber River Bridge;
(2) forwarding this report to the City of Toronto, requesting City Council=s project and financing approval (under Toronto project No. 120) in the amount of $1,350,000.00 gross ($337,500.00 net); and
(3) forwarding the report to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario for information and requesting confirmation of 50 percent funding.@
The Commission also approved that, if possible, funding for this project be provided from under expenditures in the 1998 budget, and that if this is not possible staff report back.
The foregoing is forwarded to City of Toronto Council and the Province of Ontario for the necessary approval and confirmation of funding, as detailed in the report.
: PROJECT APPROVAL FOR RAIL REPLACEMENT
ALONG THE QUEENSWAY STREETCAR LINE
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Commission approve:
1) project approval in the amount of $1,350,000 under 1.2 Surface Track for the installation of new continuous welded rail on the Queensway line from Parkside Drive Bridge up to and including the Humber River Bridge;
2) forwarding this report to the City of Toronto, requesting City Council's project and financing approval (under Toronto project no. 120) in the amount of $1,350,000 gross ($337,500 net); and
3) forwarding the report to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario for information and requesting confirmation of 50% funding.
FUNDING
Funding for this project is not included in the Commission's approved 1998 - 2002 Capital Program under 1.2 Surface Track Rehabilitation, and to date under expenditures to accommodate this project have not been identified.
The City Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer certifies that the recommended approval is within the Corporation's updated debt and financial obligation limit and can be financed by the issuance of debentures if necessary for a term of up to 20 years.
BACKGROUND
A section of Queensway Streetcar tracks located between Parkside Drive and the South Kingsway pedestrian overpass underwent a re-ballasting program in conjunction with the installation of overhead power poles in the summer / fall of 1997.
During the tamping operation, unexpected rail breaks occurred. Emergency repairs were undertaken in order to return the track to service within the allotted Board Period. A speed restriction and increased track patrols were ordered to maintain the integrity of the track until a replacement program is implemented.
DISCUSSION
The Queensway rail between Parkside Drive and the South Kingsway pedestrian overpass was installed in 1987, with an expected life span of approximately 25 years and therefore, was not expected to be replaced until at least 2112. However, improper construction methods utilized during the rail installation has reduced the useful life span of the track. Rail joint bars were improperly tack welded to the rail, and gauge rod holes were torch cut instead of drilled adversely affecting the metallurgy of the steel in an area of extreme stress concentration, leading to cracking and defect propagation. Also, the type and placement of the original ballast section in conjunction with electrolysis has led to severe rail base corrosion. Non-destructive testing has concluded the rail to be substandard and suspect in its ability to handle the thermal and operating stresses imposed. Therefore, a timely replacement is necessary to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Management assessed the risk of continued operation over this area and concluded that with a speed restriction and increased track patrols, operations could be continued up until conditions and material procurement for a rail replacement program could be organized. It is therefore proposed to replace the existing rail with continuous welded rail, complete with direct fixation fasteners to the existing wooden ties over the course of the May, 1998 Board Period. The majority of construction will occur on the night shift to accommodate service requirements and reduce the cost of alternate service arrangements.
The elimination of the existing gauge rods in conjunction with a change in the elevation of the existing ballast layer will facilitate access to the rail seat area for future inspections. The new rail and fastening system will offer improved ride and reduced maintenance costs over its service life.
The estimated cost breakdown of the project is given in Appendix "A" attached.
JUSTIFICATION
The rail on this section of the Queensway is in a substandard condition, is suspect in its ability to handle thermal and operating stresses and has severe railbase corrosion. Speed restrictions and increased track patrols have been instituted as a stop-gap measure required to ensure the integrity of this track. Continued streetcar operation places the Commission at risk of potential derailment. This risk increases proportionally to the length of time the rail remains in service.
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5-41-82
February 3, 1998
Attachment
- Appendix "A"
APPENDIX "A"
RAIL REPLACEMENT ALONG QUEENSWAY
SUMMARY OF MATERIAL COST, FLASH BUTT WELDING & LABOUR
