Cross Passage Construction Update – November 2014

Information as of November 5, 2014

What is the Crosstown?

The Eglinton Crosstown is a 19-kilometre light rail transit (LRT) line that will run along Eglinton Avenue through the heart of Toronto, with an underground central section. The line will connect Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy Road in the east, and the new service will be up to 60% faster than the bus service today. 

Did you know?

In addition to the 25 stations and stops being built for the Eglinton Crosstown, other very important structures like emergency exit buildings and cross passages are being built along the route. 

What is a Cross Passage?

A cross passage is a small passageway built to connect the eastbound and westbound tunnels for maintenance and/or emergency purposes. Crews will build these cross passages within the newly built tunnels after the tunnel boring machines have completed their work. In order to build each cross passage in the tunnels, dewatering equipment will be used at various locations at street level along Eglinton Avenue. Dewatering is the process of removing groundwater from the tunnel level below. The dewatering equipment will be in place for the duration of the building of each cross passage and are not an active construction site. These sites will be monitored periodically by staff to ensure their operation. 

Cross Passage work at each location will occur in three stages:

Stage One: drilling of the dewatering wells and small trenches for approximately 1 week with centre traffic lane restrictions.

Stage Two: placing a generator and a dewatering treatment tank occupying a short curb lane restriction for approximately four to six months.

Stage Three: removing the equipment/dewatering wells and restoring the roadway upon completion of the cross passage work.

When will construction work start? 

Cross Passage construction will take place between late Fall 2014 and Fall 2015. 

Where will Cross Passages be built?

Cross passages will be located in the vicinity of the following cross-streets (pictured below) along Eglinton Avenue between Keele Street and Allen Road. While the majority of work will occur underground, dewatering operations will be visible on the surface. The map below shows the approximate locations of the cross passages along Eglinton Avenue.  

Changing Traffic Patterns

While installing the dewatering wells, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction within the vicinity of the work for approximately one week per location. Once wells and trenches are installed, discharging equipment will occupy a short curb lane area for approximately 4 months.

Traffic delays are expected during construction. Please take care when travelling near construction areas. 

Transforming transit across the middle of Toronto will involve significant road work. Construction will be visible along the corridor and on some side streets. There will be local street closures and turning restrictions to allow for the construction to take place. Metrolinx, City of Toronto staff and your elected officials are working closely together to monitor and make adjustments to the local road configurations, work zones and other day-to-day items such as signage and temporary adjustments.

Transit Information

For the safety of transit riders, both eastbound and westbound TTC bus stops in the affected area may be relocated. Watch for posted signs and future information indicating any new locations.  

Work Hours

Please note that dewatering pumps and or generators are required to be active 24 hours a day.

Noise & Vibration

Noise and vibration associated with construction can be expected with this work. 

The Crosstown Community Office

We understand that construction can be disruptive, and we will do our best to keep you informed.  If you would like more detail about this work or any other aspect of the Eglinton Crosstown project, please do not hesitate to contact us. We thank you for your continued patience as we work to build rapid transit.