Coming up to a take a breath in Toronto’s complex Crosstown construction

In this next chapter of our continuing Crosstown Progress series, profiling every major element of construction along the Eglinton light rail transit (LRT) line, we’re in the fresh spring air for stops at both Wynford and Sloane.

This is no simple matter.

Construction for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line has been far from elementary for constructor Crosslinx Transit Solutions. From mining, to deep digging to underpinning a running TTC station, it’s clear station construction is complex.

Luckily, surface construction eases up a bit for the crew.

A crew of workers toil on a strip of grading beside a roadway. — An example of the guideway work that will take place later this month. This concrete slab will contain the electrical infrastructure and LRT tracks.

Traveling eastward along the Eglinton Crosstown progress series, we have made our way to our next two surface stops along Eglinton Avenue East – Wynford and Sloane.

The Wynford stop will be located directly on Eglinton Avenue East, on the west side of the bridge over Wynford Drive. The accessible stop will be a parallel side platform, complete with a covered waiting area with benches and automated Presto payment machines to pay your fare before you board.

An artist concept shows a stop between active roads, with a light rail vehicle pulling up. — The Wynford stop, as seen in an artist’s concept illustration.

The stop at Sloane will be similar. Located on the east side of the intersection of Bermondsey Road and Eglinton Avenue East, the stop will include all of the same features as Wynford.

The stop is seen from above, and has shelters down the platform. — The Sloane stop, as seen in an artist’s concept.

To accommodate both stops, and to make room for bike lanes, widening of the Eglinton roadway is currently taking place. The guideway, the part that will contain the electrical to power the light rail vehicles and the track, will be located down the centre of the roadway. Work for the guideway on both stops will take place this year. Did we mention track work? You will be able to see that work taking place very soon.

An artist concept shows a street-level stop. — The Wynford stop, at track level. That track work will begin soon.

As construction makes its way to the surface, pedestrian routes and traffic configurations may have been adjusted in order to allow for the necessary work in the area. This is a good place to remind everyone to always follow signage and obey traffic regulations. And to stay up to date on all the work in your area, you can sign up for our mailing list to receive updates.

An artist concept shows people walking toward the stop, as traffic stops at a light. — The Sloane stop, looking at it from street level.

Watch for exciting things to hit this area later this year. These stops may be less complicated than digging stations below the city, but they still take effort and the patience of those in the communities – and the results will be clear soon.

Want to see how track work is progressing at our next two stops? Click here.

Story by Erika D’Urbano, Metrolinx communications specialist.