GO Transit: Construction Projects (Metrolinx, various)

[crs1026]

^I'm curious how many of the mature trees are in close proximity to the rail right of way, versus further removed but in the way of culverts etc.

One thing that one notices is just how much railway rights of way generally have become overgrown over the past 25 years, often to the point of becoming unsafe as sight lines are affected. It is possible in places to note branches brushing against one's train as they pass.

The growth of vegetation barriers between neighbourhoods and railway tracks is a good thing, but I wonder if any of the tree cover was due to be removed anyways as there is currently regulatory focus on trimming things back on many lines.

Most of this growth is just scrub vegetation that grew naturally, with a good measure of weed and invasive tree species. While I agree that the local environment needs mitigation, this may actually be a good opportunity to select species or plantings that improve the space both in providing barriers to the railway and making the space enjoyable. There is good reason to mistrust ML - hopefully it gets done right.

- Paul

 

[Allandale25]

^ That's definitely an aspect I've noticed that doesn't get a lot of discussion/coverage in these situations. Ability to remove any invasive tree species and try to add more plantings with native species. Any thoughts @Northern Light ? (thanks for the earlier reply as well.)

 

[Northern Light]

^ That's definitely an aspect I've noticed that doesn't get a lot of discussion/coverage in these situations. Ability to remove any invasive tree species and try to add more plantings with native species. Any thoughts @Northern Light ? (thanks for the earlier reply as well.)

I don't have a breakdown of the species Mx will be removing; but those highest on the embankment in this area will predominantly be Manitoba Maple in most sections, which is native to North-Western Ontario and Manitoba; but is considered invasive in Southern Ontario. The species would be low-priority for removal here as it lets a fair bit of light through, and isn't overly long-lived; it tends to grow in highly disturbed conditions in Toronto (highway edge, abandoned lot, laneway etc.)

I expect they will remove some decent species as well; but again, I'd have to find the background material; I probably have it somewhere and will check when I get a chance.

From my perspective, it would be nice to use the opportunity of damaging this space as 'cover' to remove additional non-native species in those ravine segments (they need it); but I don't expect it to happen.

Replanting will likely be all-native; but there will be non-native invasives in the seedbank, so unless there is ongoing follow up for years, I wouldn't expect material improvement in the species mix from a one-off chop and plant exercise.

 

[drum118]

Dec 18
More up on site

The existing Bramalea GO Station in the process of a thing from the past with the closing of the east and centre access to the platform and close itself. The east entrance in the process of being cut up for removal and it will be follow by the main station itself. Access to platform 2 & 3 is by the new west entrance with a working elevator.

You can use part of platform 4 to get to the south parking lot and part of it not complete nor is there an elevator in place. An elevator is been worked on, but many issues with other trades have to be clean up before the elevator and the whole platform can be use.

Glazing being install for the new station along with other work.

The east section of Platform 2 & 3 being worked on stating at the accessibility platform.

The north-east parking lot close so it can be rebuilt along with other work, Lots of spots for the west lot.

Still odd they used asphalt in place of concrete for the platforms and opposite to all the other stations that have been rebuilt or in the process of doing them.

 

[Northern Light]

BlogTo has a post up discussing the issue I noted above in respect of the LSE corridor widening and the Small's Creek Ravine system.

These picturesque ravines in Toronto follow the path of a partially buried creek

Small's Creek, which begins just north of Danforth and Woodbine and runs southward toward Lake Ontario, comprises four ravines in Toronto's Upper Bea…

www.blogto.com

 

[drum118]

Dec 18

 

[Allandale25]

Not sure if this has been posted yet. It's the Metrolinx deck for the 4th track - Small's Creek Culvert on the LSE

David Bosworth

Metrolinx Document: Lakeshore East GO Expansion Program Update Small’s Creek Culvert, Retaining Walls and Restoration Plan

www.facebook.com

@Northern Light I assume you've seen this?

 

[Northern Light]

Not sure if this has been posted yet. It's the Metrolinx deck for the 4th track - Small's Creek Culvert on the LSE

David Bosworth

Metrolinx Document: Lakeshore East GO Expansion Program Update Small’s Creek Culvert, Retaining Walls and Restoration Plan

www.facebook.com

@Northern Light I assume you've seen this?

Been awhile; but yes.

Since I have this bit open.........

I will extract relevant images for the group.

A note about the image below; the size of the circle is relative to the size/maturity of the tree in question.

I'd swear I don't remember a retaining wall that large; that's not related to the culvert, but to regrading associated with the 4th track.

*****

Note the culvert render.........and refer back to the Mx spokesperson suggesting this would be a usable new wildlife connection............

Gonna have to add here, at least on this side, if they're clearing that much land, the ecological disturbance of a much larger culvert would be immaterial.

 

[Northern Light]

Ok.... @Allandale25 you made me go find the documents on this project that I first read ages ago...........

I couldn't find my digital copy.............

But I found.....them, here:

http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/rer/LSE_Segment1_EPR_EN.pdf

This is pre-detailed design, from 2017.

 

[Northern Light]

Additional documents:

http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/rer/LSE_Segment1_Appendix%20B1%20-%20NaturalEnvironmentEffectsAssessment-RPT.pdf

Details from the above:

Based on the results of the terrestrial field investigations, the following regionally rare plants may be affected by the proposed activities: Balsam Fir, Poison Ivy, Silky Dogwood, Wild Red Current, Sycamore, American Prickly-ash and Big Bluestem. A majority of these plants occur within the Fresh –Moist Willow Lowland Deciduous Forest (FOD7-3). This vegetation community is located in the Williamson Park ESA, south of the rail ROW and extends north to Merrill Bridge Road Park (Figure 3-10 and Figure 3-11 in Appendix A).

 

[superelevation]

When is the fourth track actually going in?

 

[Allandale25]

Been awhile; but yes.

Since I have this bit open.........

I will extract relevant images for the group.

A note about the image below; the size of the circle is relative to the size/maturity of the tree in question.

View attachment 289974

I'd swear I don't remember a retaining wall that large; that's not related to the culvert, but to regrading associated with the 4th track.

*****
View attachment 289977

View attachment 289978

View attachment 289981

Note the culvert render.........and refer back to the Mx spokesperson suggesting this would be a usable new wildlife connection............

View attachment 289983

Gonna have to add here, at least on this side, if they're clearing that much land, the ecological disturbance of a much larger culvert would be immaterial.

Just out of curiosity, why do so many trees (red dots) need to be removed this far (either side of the blue line) from the tracks/new track?

 

[Northern Light]

Just out of curiosity, why do so many trees (red dots) need to be removed this far (either side of the blue line) from the tracks/new track?

View attachment 290070

I wasn't consulted on the project..........but my read would be that the trees are either directly in the way of the new retaining wall, the culvert, the access space needed for construction vehicles (it can't all be done from above) or are in the way of associated re-grading.

Keep in mind that trees have branches, and roots that spread considerable distance. In general, {over-simplified) tree roots spread as wide as does the crown of the tree.

If the roots are in the way of the re-grading, the tree would likely die from having a substantial portion of those roots severed.

Less an issue w/branches, but a massive cut into a tree would would injure it and might overwhelm it.

 

[Northern Light]

Some political comments:

From Councillor Bradford's website:

Update on Metrolinx work in Small's Creek and Lake Shore East GO RER expansion — Councillor Brad Bradford, Ward 19 Beaches – East York

Many of you have reached out to me in the last week or two with your concerns about the Metrolinx work planned in and around the Small’s Creek Ravine, as well as general concerns about the Metrolinx corridor expansion work to accommodate a 4th track. I’d like to begin by thanking you all for your …

www.bradbradford.ca

More recent info from the local MPP's office (publicly posted in the applicable FB group)

I have omitted to remainder as it was more advisory than informative.

 

[Streety McCarface]

Some political comments:

From Councillor Bradford's website:

Update on Metrolinx work in Small's Creek and Lake Shore East GO RER expansion — Councillor Brad Bradford, Ward 19 Beaches – East York

Many of you have reached out to me in the last week or two with your concerns about the Metrolinx work planned in and around the Small’s Creek Ravine, as well as general concerns about the Metrolinx corridor expansion work to accommodate a 4th track. I’d like to begin by thanking you all for your …

www.bradbradford.ca

More recent info from the local MPP's office (publicly posted in the applicable FB group)

View attachment 290075
View attachment 290076
View attachment 290077

I have omitted to remainder as it was more advisory than informative.

Friday C — The answer is cost and ease of construction. No one wants to bring a drill rig out there to install secant piles.

What other options are there? Not installing the 4th track?