From TTC July 2023:
TTC Russell Carhouse Upgrades
Timeline: Ongoing – February, 2025
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What we are doing and why:
To improve streetcar service, the expansion of TTC’s streetcar fleet requires additional maintenance & storage space. TTC is upgrading storage capacity at streetcar yards across the City. As part of this program, TTC will be modifying the carhouse and storage area at Russell Yard.
What is happening:
The Russell Yard upgrade project includes:
Replacing all yard tracks with concrete-embedded track rail and switches
Providing track lubrication to all storage tracks to reduce streetcar noise (wheel squeal).
Replacing all underground utility services and providing a storm water retention management system.
Upgrading the overhead electrical system for streetcar pantograph operations.
Schedule:
To maintain service for TTC customers, construction is completed in stages.
Stage 1: Concrete/track work removal and excavation in the eastern part of the yard, daily until November 2023*. A concrete breaker, backhoe, and dump truck will typically run weekdays between 7 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vibration and noise, typically associated with construction is expected during road compaction and caisson installation. Augering will be carried out at locations around the perimeter of the yard to allow for future pole installation. Additional lighting will be installed
Starting as early as July 21, 2023 for a period of approximately 8 weeks, overnight streetcar rail replacement work is scheduled to re-commence. Work will begin in the eastern portion of the yard and move towards the west and southern portion of the yard.
Crews must work around the clock on track installation specifically, to ensure effective concrete curing and long-term quality of the rails. Crews are pre-assembling as much rail as possible at an offsite location to expedite the process and reduce the amount of work for assembly in the yard. The assembly and installation of the new track includes rail cutting, rail welding, and fastening the rails in place, followed by concrete work. Construction vehicles are equipped with a backup alarm, and staff will work to limit the reversing of vehicles during night work.
Stage 2/3: The western portion of the Russell Carhouse Yard will undergo the same scope of work from November 2023* to February 2025*
Next steps:
Carhouse extension and modifications (start date: as early as 2025 – 2028, TBD*):
Construct the west extension of the carhouse to allow for an additional maintenance bay for new streetcars.
Upgrade the existing carhouse building to accommodate new streetcars.
Reconfigure maintenance tracks and pits in the carhouse for maintenance.