Updated on February 23, 2009
Phase 3 - Vaughan Road to Westmount Avenue
Why are the streetcar tracks being reconstructed on St. Clair Avenue West?
The streetcar tracks are being reconstructed because they are in poor condition and must be replaced as the TTC does in all other areas of the City. However, this project is more than just track reconstruction – it is a city building initiative that will provide a higher order of transit service to your community and will include such enhancements as roadway reconstruction at signalized intersections, a variety of streetscape improvements such as new trees, improved street lighting, public art, new streetcar passenger platforms and transit shelters.
What other work is being done on St. Clair?
In addition to the work on the St. Clair Avenue West Transit Improvements project which includes construction of a raised exclusive right-of-way with traffic signals that give priority to streetcars, enhanced streetscape, and upgraded passenger platforms, the City of Toronto has now included upgrades to the water distribution system and individual services that are made of lead. This lead service replacement program was initiated in mid 2007 by the City and will be coordinated with this project to minimize any on going disruption to the community.
How will the construction be phased?
Staging
The Project is scheduled to be implemented in six major stages:
- Stage I – from Vaughan Road to Christie Street
- Stage II – from Christie Street to Greensides Avenue
- Stage III – from Greensides Avenue to Robina Avenue
- Stage IV – from Robina Avenue to Lauder Avenue
- Stage V – from Lauder Avenue to Westmount Avenue
Construction Details
Stages I through V will include both major underground and aboveground work consisting of new watermain upgrades; installation of TTC base pole footings, platforms and poles, and; reconstruction of the sidewalks on the north and south sides.
Stage VI will include pavement reconstruction, and installation of TTC shelters, testing, and commissioning along the entire stretch from Vaughan Road to Westmount Avenue.
Will I still be able to shop and do business on St. Clair?
Yes, the businesses, shops and restaurants along St. Clair will be open during the construction period. The TTC Time Based Transfer Pilot Program offers customers an easy way to travel along St. Clair Avenue West during the construction project. It allows you to travel for up to two hours on the 512 St Clair route. You can board a 512 St. Clair streetcar or bus at any stop, in any direction, until the expiry time shown.
Will the streetcar right-of-way become a raised barrier?
No, the new right-of-way will not separate the two sides of the street. The streetcar right-of-way will be raised about six inches above the street level. The edges will be softened with a slight roll at the top. It would be similar to putting a sidewalk along the centre of the street.
What is the overall street design strategy for Phase 3?
The overall street design strategy for Phase 3 is to provide a high quality, user friendly street design that is consistent with the previous phases.
Will there be any new U-Turn locations?
At all signalized intersections (those with traffic lights) along St. Clair, motorists will be able to make a U-Turn and/or Left Turn (where permitted/signed) which will allow you to go in the opposite direction on St. Clair. Once construction is complete along this section, U-Turns and Left Turns (where permitted/signed) will be allowed at the following streets in this phase of construction:
- Northcliffe Blvd
- Glenholme Avenue
- Oakwood Avenue
- Alberta Avenue
- Winona Drive
- Arlington Avenue
- Christie Street
- Wychwood Avenue
- Vaughan Rd
What is the Interpretive Plaque Project?
The purposes of these plaques are to express community identity, local history and other unique qualities. The aim of this project is to 'Give Voice' to the people, places and events that have shaped the neighbourhoods of St Clair Avenue West. Each of the 48 plaques along the route have been assigned a theme that is based on the information received from 2004-2005 community mapping workshops. These themes have evolved over time as the project continues to research and connect with community members and groups, and also include the addition of 4 more streetcar stops.
Will the Transit Stop locations remain the same?
Yes, all existing transit stops will remain the same, including the Wychwood stop. Most of the stops will be moved to the far side of the intersections to allow for a more efficient transit operation.
What will happen to transit service during construction?
Replacement bus service is currently operating on St. Clair Avenue between Keele Street and the St. Clair West Station. Notices will inform residents and TTC customers of any other temporary service changes that may result from localized construction, such as north/south bus routes that cross St. Clair Avenue West.
What will the impacts to traffic be during construction?
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction through the construction zones on St. Clair Avenue West. One-way side streets off St. Clair Avenue may be temporarily converted to a two-way operation during periods when it will be necessary to close those streets at St. Clair to accommodate roadway reconstruction.
Will on-street parking be provided?
No on-street parking will be available in the work zones until track reconstruction is completed. Notification signs will be posted about temporary parking changes. Limited parking will be made available at certain locations provided it does not impede with construction. Once the project is complete, parking will be available on both sides of St. Clair Avenue during off-peak hours and weekends.
How will construction impacts be managed?
The City and TTC will work closely with the contractors to speed up all aspects of the construction process. A Construction Liaison Committee will be established with City and TTC staff, the contractor, and community and business representatives. This group will meet regularly to address and deal with specific local issues in order to help minimize disruption during construction.
What will the hours of construction be?
Streetcar track construction is a 24-hour operation. 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. Overnight work includes delivery of rail, rail installation and rail welding. This work is required to support the daytime construction. Work is done over a 24-hour period so the project can be completed as quickly as possible. Every effort will be made to minimize construction noise during the 24-hour work periods.
How will pedestrians access businesses along St. Clair Avenue West while sidewalk construction is taking place?
All residents and businesses will have access to their buildings, even during construction. Workers will place a ramp for access when construction is directly outside of your building. If at any time you have trouble accessing your entrance, please speak to the City inspector on-site, or call 416-338-2003.
How will emergency vehicles move along or across the street?
Toronto Fire, Police and EMS services are made aware of the work well in advance of the start of construction. They are prepared and plan to take an alternate route if required. As well, the contractor is responsible for managing access through the active work zone for emergency vehicles if required.
How many trees will you remove or replace?
For the new design:
- 43 existing sidewalk trees will be removed
- 61 sidewalk trees will be added
- 39 trees will be added at the streetcar platforms
Please note that the design has not been finalized and these numbers are subject to minor changes.
What will happen to the garbage and recycling collection schedules?
Recycling and garbage collection schedules on St. Clair 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?
For TTC related matters:
Diego Sinagoga
Tel:
416-393-2197
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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