Transit Expansion in York South-Weston
James Hartley, Manager, Environmental Programs and Assessments – Metrolinx Laura Durie, Community Relations Specialist – Metrolinx February 9, 2017 METROLINX
PLAN BUILD OPERATE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN
2012 25 YEAR VISION
Creating new connections across our region GO TRANSIT EXPANSION
Metrolinx is embarking on a transformation of the existing GO rail system to provide: • Four times the number of trips outside of weekday rush-hour periods, including evenings and weekends. • Twice the number of trips during weekday rush-hour periods. • Line extensions to new communities.
4 Building More Transit To Get You Moving
• GO Transit Expansion is bringing more train trips to every GO rail corridor to make moving around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and surrounding communities faster and easier. It’s part of Metrolinx’s larger plan to build a seamless transportation network with Light Rail Transit (LRTs) and local transit across the region.
• This means electric trains running in both directions, 7 days a week on GO- owned corridors and significant service increases across the entire network.
• In York South-Weston, improving existing transit options means all-day, two- way service between Union Station and Bramalea Station, and 15-minute service between Union Station and Mount Pleasant Station during morning and afternoon rush hour.
• We look forward to working with you, and being a part of the transformation in your community.
5 GO Kitchener Service Plan
• 15-minute, two-way service btw Bramalea and Union
• 15-minute service Mt. Pleasant Union in a.m. Union Mt. Pleasant in p.m.
• 30-minute service Kitchener Union in a.m. Union Kitchener in p.m.
• 15-minute, two-way service btw Bramalea and Union
• 1-hour, two-way service btw Mount Pleasant and Union Station
6 What We Need to Build to Get There
• Bringing more transit options and new levels of service doesn’t come easy.
• Metrolinx is undertaking one of the largest infrastructure projects in North America.
• There is community-level disruption required to build a region-wide, integrated transit network
7 GO Electrification Study Area
Electrification EA focused on this portion of the corridor.
8 Electrification
• Approximately 8 km of electrified corridor remaining in the electrification EA. • The green portion of the Kitchener/UP Express route was previously assessed under the Metrolinx UP Express Electrification TPAP, completed June 2014.
9 Transit Project Assessment Process
Current stage
gotransit.com/electrification
10 What Are We Assessing?
Natural Environment • Terrestrial, aquatic habitat and species • Species of conservation concern • Sensitive areas and features • Stormwater Management Socio-Economic Environment • Land Use • Property • Air Quality • Noise and Vibration • Traffic and Transportation • Utilities • Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Fields
Cultural Environment • Archaeological resources • Built Heritage resources • Cultural Heritage landscapes
11 Electrification – Power Supply & Distribution
• Metrolinx and Hydro One are EA co-proponents Electrification – Overhead Contact System (OCS)
• The span between OCS supports ranges from 50 to 65 metres.
Cantilevers: one foundation required Portals: two foundations required Electrification – Bridge Modifications
Location: Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA Electrification – Pedestrian Bridges Reinforce or Replace
Wallace Ave Drury Lane
Pape Ave Mooregate Ave / Tara Ave Electrification – Visual Aesthetics
16 Electrification – Tree Vegetation
Vegetation/Tree Removal may be required to :
• Minimize the risk of tree limbs falling on the track or overhead wires.
• Secure the safety of maintenance workers when working in an electrified environment.
• Maintain the safety of our customers and neighbours.
17 Metrolinx Investments in York South-Weston
With 3 rail lines, 4 stations, electrification – we’re making significant investments in York South-Weston.
Track Construction • Additional 4th Track from Dundas St. W to Hwy 427 – construction to be completed 2018 • 401 Rail Tunnel: allows for all-day, two-way, 15 min service between Union Station and Bramalea Station – construction to be completed 2021
New Stations • Mount Dennis GO/LRT Station – construction to be completed 2021 • St. Clair GO Station – construction to be completed 2024 • Keelesdale LRT Station – construction to be completed 2021 • Caledonia GO/LRT Station – EA completed, construction to be completed 2020
Other • Weston Station New Platform – construction to be completed 2019 • John Street Pedestrian Bridge – COMPLETED • Public art installations at John St. Bridge and Weston Station – COMPLETED • A third art installation at Weston Road/Black Creek – working with City of Toronto. • Weston Tunnel Roof Park – COMPLETED, awaiting completion of dog park/St. John school • Denison Road grade separation – COMPLETED (OPWA Project of the Year, $50M+ category.) • On-going participation in the Weston Santa Claus Parade • Complimentary use of the Weston Station parking lot to host the Farmers’ Market
18 Highway 401 Tunnel
To help increase capacity on the Kitchener Corridor, which passes under Highway 401/409 through a tunnel, infrastructure upgrades are required: • Construction of a second tunnel under Highway 401/409 to accommodate two additional tracks, future signaling and communications infrastructure • Replacing footings of retaining walls that support the ramp from eastbound Highway 409 to eastbound Highway 401.
Community and Green Benefits • Reduced traffic congestion, greenhouse gases and fuel consumption • Improved quality of life for Economic Benefits commuters by reducing daily travel • Will generate employment opportunities, time significant benefits for commuters.
• A Metrolinx designated Mobility Hub
• Connections: o Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Kitchener GO, UP Express o Off-street Bus Terminal, Passenger Pick-up/Drop-off.
• Being constructed concurrently or alongside Eglinton Crosstown LRT project.
• Kodak Building move, August 2016: allows us to integrate this community heritage building into the new station.
• Ready for you in 2021
20 New St. Clair GO Station
• To be located at St. Clair Ave. W and Keele St.
• One of 12 new stations approved by Metrolinx Board of Directors in June 2016.
• One of the City of Toronto’s SmartTrack stations.
• Currently in planning and design phase. Timeline for completion is subject to funding availability, environmental assessment, further planning, engineering, and design.
21 Crosstown Keelesdale Station
• Crosstown LRT underground station at Keele St, Trethewey Dr, and Eglinton Ave W. • Off-street bus loop with four bus bays to serve TTC buses. There will also be on- street connections to TTC buses. • Station plazas at all three entrances – a landscaped public space where people can meet, gather, wait and/or relax. • 60 outdoor bicycle parking spaces. • Currently under construction – ready for you in 2021
22 GO/Crosstown Caledonia Station
Project Purpose: • Build a new GO Station within the City of Toronto to improve north/south – east/west transit connectivity. • Expand regional connectivity between local and regional transit systems. • Improve service to customers by connecting GO service to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and TTC bus service along Eglinton Avenue West.
23 GO/Crosstown Caledonia Station Overview
FUTURE NORTH PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL AT BOWIE AVENUE AND CARNARVON STREET EGLINTON CROSSTOWN LRT (BY OTHERS)
WESTSIDE MALL
NORTH VIEW SITE AERIAL
NOTE: FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY.
24 Weston Mural
• Artist: Mahmood Popal, Make Your Mark
• Unveiled October 29, 2016
• Partnership between Metrolinx, the Weston community, StArtToronto, and local elected officials.
25 John Street Pedestrian Bridge
• Construction completed December 2016.
• Allows for pedestrian flow from the residential area north of the tracks to the new Weston GO station and business area south of the tracks.
• Mural embraces the unique history of the Weston community, allowing for pedestrian and cycling access to the station. Weston Santa Claus Parade
• Our Community Relations team was happy to attend the Weston Santa Claus Parade on November 27, 2016. They brought the GO Bear!
Q & A
28 Contacts Links
Project Map Metrolinx.com > Projects and Laura Durie Programs > Project Map Community Relations and Issues Specialist Tell us what you think: (416) 202-3467 metrolinxengage.com [email protected] GO Electrification TPAP gotransit.com/electrification
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As our region grows our transit system needs to grow too.