The milestones keep coming for Metrolinx's Crosstown LRT. Those we have covered include the boring of a 10-kilometre twin tunnel through the heart of Midtown Toronto, the start of shoring and excavation for several underground stations, and the commencement of work to build the tracks. Another milestone was recently achieved with the start of work on the transit line's 9-kilometre eastern surface section along Eglinton Avenue East between Brentcliffe Road and Kennedy Station.

VIVA work on Highway 7 in York Region, similar to Crosstown surface work, image courtesy of Metrolinx

The initial phase of surface work involves the removal of roughly 7 kilometres of concrete centre medians between Leslie Street and Rosemount Drive, to create a flat surface to support construction of two dedicated transit guideways where the Crosstown's rails will be laid. The work is being conducted with an aim towards minimal traffic disruption, with only intermittent lane closures occurring during this stage of work.

Centre median on Eglinton Avenue East, image retrieved from Google Street View

Elsewhere on the Crosstown's eastern leg, work on utility relocation has either begun or been announced for several locations. At various points along the surface section's alignment, overhead hydro utilities and underground Enbridge gas distribution lines will be torn down and dug up respectively, and relocated to make way for the LRT.

Leslie Street stop on the LRT's surface section, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Once complete, the surface section will include 10 stops between Leslie Street and Ionview Road, with brief underground sections for stations at Don Mills and Kennedy. With the transit in the middle of the road, this stretch of Eglinton East will be reconfigured with two through lanes of eastbound and westbound vehicular traffic, plus cycle lanes and turn lanes where necessary.

Ionview stop on the LRT's surface section, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Additional information and images can be found in the many related Database files, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment using the field provided at the bottom of this page.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct a caption for the first image, which was originally identified as work on the surface section of Eglinton Avenue.

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