Adelaide Street Construction

The City’s contractor is making excellent progress with reinstating the streetcar tracks from Duncan Street to Simcoe Street and replacing the watermain from York Street towards Bay Street. Sections of Adelaide Street are reduced to a single eastbound lane to facilitate this work. Expect travel delays.

In September 2022, the City of Toronto and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) started work on a series infrastructure upgrades on Adelaide Street. The work involves:

  • replacement of the 100+ year old watermain and City-owned portion of substandard water services from York Street to Victoria Street
  • reinstatement of eastbound streetcar track system on Adelaide Street from Charlotte Street to York Street
  • relocation of the cycle track from the south to the north side of the street from Bathurst Street to Parliament Street. Learn more about the benefits of relocating the cycles track on Adelaide Street.
  • installation of new bike signals
  • modification of traffic signal timing
  • pedestrian safety improvements at various locations from Bathurst Street to Parliament Street.

The watermain replacement and streetcar track reinstatement works are being carried out in advance of the upcoming construction of the Ontario Line subway by Metrolinx. During construction of the Ontario Line, the eastbound 501 Queen streetcar will be diverted to Adelaide Street between York Street and Victoria Street.

Streetcar track work on Adelaide Street, west of York Street is necessary to allow for TTC route diversions in the downtown core. The remaining streetcar track work on York Street and Adelaide Street will be carried out by Metrolinx.

The City will replace additional sections of watermain on Adelaide Street from Bathurst Street to Spadina Avenue, and Church Street to Jarvis Street. The City will also resurface the road from Bathurst Street to Spadina Avenue and Bay Street to Church Street. The timing of these projects will be communicated here once finalized.

Virtual Trailer Drop-In

The project team will host Virtual Trailer Drop-In meetings where members of the public can join, (virtually), to ask questions about the Adelaide Street construction work. Public Consultation Unit staff, the project manager, representatives from the local (Ward offices), and the TTC Community Liaison will be present to provide answers.

  • Date: Every other Monday (starting August 29, 2022)
  • Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Where: Login to the Virtual Trailer, or Dial in by calling 416-915-6530 and enter access code 2453 698 0265

Public Information Event

The City held a virtual Public Information Event on Thursday, July 21, 2022 to provide details on the planned construction on Adelaide Street, and an opportunity for the public to ask questions.

Presentation – July 21, 2022

Notices

Work Phases* dates subject to change

Watermain Replacement

  • Phase 1A: Crews will work between east of York Street and Bay Street: in progress.
    • Upon completion of the York Street to Bay Street section, crews will work between Bay Street and Victoria Street: This is expected to start in early December

Streetcar Track Reinstatement 

  • Phase 1B: Work west of York Street to the center of University Avenue: completed
  • Phase 2: Crews will start west of Simcoe Street to Widmer Street: in progress
  • Phase 3: Upon completion of phase 1B, crews will start at Widmer Street to Charlotte Street.
  • Phase 4: Upon completion of phase 1A through phase 3, crews will undertake pavement marking work, and will relocate the Adelaide Street cycle track to the north side of the street between Bathurst Street and Parliament Street.

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this site. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings, or any other content, please contact us at 416-392-0472 or AadelaideConstruction@toronto.ca

Work Hours: Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Friday, with work after hours and on weekends as required.

Water Service Disruptions: From time-to-time, the water supply to your property will be shut-off to complete construction; the contractor will provide notice at least 48-hours in advance. Throughout the work, it is recommended that you temporarily disconnect any water treatment systems (i.e. softeners or filters), water-cooled air conditioners or similar plumbing fixtures. In the event you did not receive advance notice, the City may have needed to use an emergency water shut off to complete work.

Deliveries: The City has been working with businesses and property management representatives to accommodate delivery and loading activities during construction. If you have not yet discussed your delivery needs with the project team, please contact the staff person listed on this webpage as soon as possible.

Accessible Accommodation: The City’s contractor must ensure safe and accessible walkways and entryways are maintained for everyone during construction. Any temporary access disruptions will be communicated as soon as possible. If you experience a disruption, have a specific access need or related accommodation request, inform the contact listed on this webpage.

If travelling through the area, please be aware of:

  • reduced travel lanes
    • starting October 25, there will be a single eastbound lane through the work areas
  • closure of Adelaide Street Cycle Track in the work areas.
    • people cycling can share the single eastbound lane (single file), or dismount and use sidewalks
    • the cycle track will be open east and west of the work areas.
  • lane restrictions due to Adelaide Street and University Avenue intersection work
    • starting October 27, there will be a single lane in each direction on University Avenue and a single eastbound lane on Adelaide Street
  • sidewalk restrictions within the work zones
    • safe pedestrian access will be maintained with visible signage
  • access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times
  • travel delays and increased traffic on nearby streets

To avoid delays and traffic congestion, travelers NOT destined for this area are advised to use nearby streets and avoid travel on Adelaide Street altogether.

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