Metrolinx and Crosslinx open houses are an opportunity to get project updates, to learn more about a specific topic of interest to you, and to ask general questions. As we temporarily shift to virtual open houses, find below a video version of this spring’s open house presentation. You can also download the presentation PDF by clicking the yellow button.
Questions about this content? Submit them below the video, we will work to ensure questions are answered within 48 hours. Questions not related to this presentation? Contact us now or post your question on the Ask a Question forum.
Questions can be asked online and will be accepted until Sunday, April 19th at 8:00PM EST.
NOTE: Conduct inconsistent with our policies will result in the removal of your submission.
Comments
Forbes
AnonymousWhen are they going to build shelters for Golden Mile stop?
Answer
MetrolinxThe Golden Mile shelter installation is scheduled for summer 2020. However, please note, the construction schedule may be subject to change.
Why is eastern end above ground, western end all below ground?
AnonymousWhy couldn't the eastern also have been built below ground too? Below ground is preferable for many reasons, like the subway is.
Answer
MetrolinxFeasibility studies were completed in the preliminary planning phase to determine surface sections, underground sections, and stop and station locations. Following a feasibility assessment of the Eglinton Avenue right-of-way (ROW), along with an examination of potentially major physical constraints, it was concluded that light rail transit (LRT) was viable with engineered solutions.
Where there was predominantly adequate right-of-way (ROW), the surface LRT would be constructed through these sections. However, from Black Creek Drive to Brentcliffe Road where the ROW was narrower, the LRT would be constructed below ground to avoid eliminating traffic lanes and or street parking.
For more details, please refer to Environmental Project Report: http://thecrosstown.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/reports/Crosstown-LRT-Environmental-Project-Report/chapter-2-background-studies-and-major-functional-design-options.pdf
How many vehicle cars will fit on individual surface stops?
AnonymousWill the station surface stops handle two vehicles coupled together, or three vehicles?
Answer
MetrolinxSurface stops will be able to handle three vehicles, just like all the underground stations.
Why is minimizing disruption not a priority?
AnonymousI'm not talking about necessary disruption, like blocking traffic lanes when doing concrete pours. That's gotta be done. I'm talking about things like using traffic lanes as storage sites for barrels for days or weeks on end when no work is being done, or cutting Eglinton from two lanes to one just to make a parking lot for workers' cars, or not moving barrels out of traffic lanes when your people go away for Christmas break. Laziness and lack of caring, basically. It happens all the time. All. The. Time. It's clearly not a one-time issue; it's an attitude problem. Please fix it, especially since this project that was promised for 2020 and then was supposed to finish in 2021 is now going to extend at least well into 2022. We can't afford to have this cavalier attitude go on that long.
Answer
MetrolinxThis continues to be a bit of an ongoing challenge on the Crosstown Project. In the instances where we received public complaints, those are immediately communicated to our constructor, Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS), to investigate and address.
CTS has taken some steps to mitigate this issue by installing physical barricades at the Don Valley Parkway, for instance and also installing signage at various locations across the alignment stating, "no CTS/subcontractor parking is permitted".
Please note that for deliveries, pick-ups, and or testing, construction vehicles are required and allowed to park temporarily on site, as well as within existing lane closures for safety reasons. All traffic configurations and lane closures are required for the construction activities taking place, including laydown areas depending on the site.
In the instances personal vehicles are observed parked in work zones, we encourage the public to contact our Crosstown Community Offices via telephone or email us (attach photos if available). Our information can be found here: http://thecrosstown.ca/contact-us/community-offices
Traffic signal priority
AnonymousWhat level of traffic signal priority will be provided at surface intersections, so the trains do not have to wait unnecessarily for traffic lights? Will there be some sort of communication between the automotive traffic lights and the LRV control system so the trsffic lights will know when a train is approaching?
Answer
MetrolinxThere will be 3 different types of signals at each signalized intersection on the at-grade; pedestrian signals, traffic signals for road vehicles, and transit signals. In general, light rail vehicles will follow road signals — stopping at reds, waiting for the advance turns to finish, and then proceeding on green.
its great t see the stop construction iwell underway.
AnonymousAnswer
MetrolinxAgreed—stop construction, as well as shelter installation, will continue throughout 2020.
O'connor Stop
AnonymousGreat to see stop construction is well under way. Why have you not started building the O'Connor stop yet? Why do they pour concrete in two stages, as in the hakimi lebovic stop only half of the west bound stop is poured. Thanks!
Answer
MetrolinxThe construction of the O’Connor Stop and shelter will be complete by the end of Summer 2020. Concrete works are done in stages and the timing of each pour will depend on the construction schedule, material delivery, and crew availability.
Brentcliff portal
AnonymousIn regards the Brentcliff portal, when will construction begin on the northside retaining wall and
how much of the existing ravine will be excavated?
Answer
MetrolinxTree removals are required for the retaining wall to be constructed. Tree removals began on March 24, 2020 for a period of one (1) day and will resume for a period of two (2) weeks beginning April 16, 2020. Retaining wall construction is expected to begin in May and take approximately four (4) months to complete.
Will the at-grade stations incorporate public art?
AnonymousAnswer
MetrolinxPublic art will be displayed at six (6) stations along the Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project including the at-grade stations, Science Centre and Kennedy.
Visit our Crosstown website to see and learn more about the integrated public art: http://thecrosstown.ca/IntegratedArt
Shelter full platform?
AnonymousThe renderings of the at-grade stations show canopies covering only some parts of the platform, evenly spaced apart. Is there an opportunity to to instead cover the entire length of the platform with a canopy?
Answer
MetrolinxThe current design for the Eglinton Crosstown surface stops provides protection from above, behind and at the sides of the shelters to create balance between weather protection and visibility to patrons.
Metrolinx also has a responsibility to ensure that accessible platforms and shelter spaces are provided throughout the project. As a result, it is challenging to provide fully enclosed and accessible shelters without additional property takes and realignment of right-of-way infrastructure. With this approach, we are providing a better solution to have an easily navigable stop for all users, with fewer visual and physical barriers.
We believe we have made appropriate and balanced design decisions based on a combination of relevant performance requirements and site limitations with a priority for safe and inclusive designs.
Heating- Outdoor stations
AnonymousWill any portion of the outdoor stations provide heating or heated areas during the winter?
Answer
MetrolinxAs compared to Metrolinx’s GO Station experience, light rail transit headway times are typically more frequent than those of the GO Trains, thus minimizing passenger time on the platforms.
Protected Intersections?
AnonymousGiven the excess road space at many of the intersections, could Metrolinx not install Dutch style protected intersections where there are bike lanes? Is this design decision within Metrolinx's authority?
Answer
MetrolinxMetrolinx was required to install the streetscape as agreed to with the City of Toronto when the scope of the project was developed. In order for the design to be changed to accommodate the Dutch Style, protected intersection would require agreement and direction from the City of Toronto. At this time all designs are finalized.
Transit Signal Priority
AnonymousWhy will Metrolinx prioritize left turning drivers using advance left turn signals over people using the LRT? Since more people will be moved by the LRT would it not make sense to prioritize its movement?
Answer
MetrolinxThere is limited signal priority permitted by the City of Toronto. The limited priority for the Eglinton Crosstown is an ability to call for an extended green for the through movements going east/west. In general, light rail vehicles will follow the road signals — stopping at reds, waiting for the advance turns to finish and then proceeding on green.
Passenger protection at surface stops
AnonymousI may have missed this from the presentation material, but it does not appear that there are physical barriers that could help prevent a vehicle from going up onto the platform and causing injuries to waiting passengers. Such barriers that I am thinking of include a raised concrete barrier on the opposite side of the crosswalk at the entrance to the platform. and a raised curb around the outer edge, for examples look at the York Region Transit Viva bus station, did Metrolinx not build these as well?
And if you could provide a further explanation to the other question about having a full length shelter along the platform? Why is it not possible to provide full length shelters along the platform? There does not need to be enclosed waiting areas on the platform, just extend the existing shelter design along the length of the platform with glass walls to fill in the gaps to still provide protection and visibility. With the current design a large section of each platform has no protection from wind, rain, ice, spray from passing vehicles.
Also. Transit Signal Priority at surface intersections, Yes or No?
Answer
MetrolinxAll designs on the ECLRT Project have been finalised, which means at this stage no additional changes will be made.
LRT stop platforms are elevated (higher than adjacent roads) and will feature a physical barrier between the platform and adjacent traffic to ensure passenger safety while waiting.
In regards to transit signal priority along the surface portion, there will be limited signal priority permitted by the City of Toronto. The limited priority for the Eglinton Crosstown is an ability to call for an extended greens for the through movements going east/west where trains are running behind schedule.
However, in general, light rail vehicles will follow the road signals — stopping at reds, waiting for the advance turns to finish and then proceeding on green.