Work is underway for the Metrolinx Ontario Line in the Lakeshore East rail corridor, bringing transit upgrades to neighborhoods and surrounding the sites of the future East Harbour, Riverside-Leslieville and Gerrard stations.
New rail bridges, as well as new retaining walls and noise walls around the rail corridor are all critical parts of the work. According to Metrolinx, almost 30,000 people will live within a 10-minute walk of rapid transit between the three new Ontario Line stations being delivered.
Redeveloping rail bridges
New rail bridges at Eastern Avenue, Queen Street Dundas Street and Logan Avenue will revitalize neighborhoods, accommodate more transit trips and improve traffic flow.
The bridges, which currently accommodate both GO Transit and VIA Rail services, are located within the shared rail corridor where Ontario Line tracks will also run. The bridges need to be replaced to reposition existing GO tracks to make room for the Ontario Line and for expanded GO services. Ontario Line bridges will be built next to the new GO rail bridges. Metrolinx notes replacing the old bridges will with upgraded infrastructure will make sure the new bridges last for at least another 100 years.
Transit impacts
Temporary transit service changes will take place during construction:
- The Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) 501 streetcar will be replaced with bus service during the weekend of Aug. 12 through Aug. 14 and between Sept. 3 and Oct. 8.
- On some weekends, train service on the Lakeshore East GO line will be suspended to safely carry out upgrades in the active rail corridor.
- Road closures and traffic impacts are being closely managed and coordinated with the city of Toronto and TTC to minimize the length of any road or lane closures and to keep people moving.
New retaining walls and noise barriers
Extending from Eastern Avenue to east of Pape, the new walls will make the neighborhood quieter.
