TTC undertakes grand union replacement

The TTC began the replacement of the Queen/Spadina streetcar grand union on July 9.

CEO Andy Byford takes to YouTube to explain grand union diversion

The major track work is scheduled to be completed in two weeks, which will also involve the replacement of overhead wires and the reconstruction of track switches. To accommodate the TTC’s new, low-floor streetcars arriving in 2014, the passenger platforms and shelters along the right-of-way will also be modified. The 510 Spadina route is currently planned to be the inaugural route for the newest-generation streetcars.

During the construction, which has closed off the Queen/Spadina intersection to all vehicular traffic, including TTC buses and streetcars, the following services will be on diversion until the intersection is re-opened for the morning rush on July 23: 501/301 Queen streetcars and 510 Spadina replacement buses.

Replacement buses are substituting for streetcars during the track, overhead and platform remake along the 510 route until the fall.

To minimize the inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians the entire construction job at Queen Street is being co-ordinated with City utilities work over the two-week period rather than portioned over several months throughout the summer. Further work to follow this summer and fall along Spadina includes additional overhead renewal, and track work at the Adelaide Street intersection, at Spadina Circle, at the portal to Spadina Station and south of King Street to Lake Shore Boulevard.