It’s been a long haul, complicated by work stoppages, but the TTC’s reconstruction of most of the 506 Carlton route is almost complete. Construction on the section between Bathurst and Parliament continues, but the TTC has posted notices announcing the resumption of normal service on Monday, November 29. You can find more details of the diversion here.

Intriguingly, the replacement bus service along Gerrard Street (running from a loop at Don Jail Roadway and Broadview via Gerrard, Parliament, Carlton, Sherbourne and Gerrard to University Avenue) is not slated to end until the end of service on Tuesday, November 30, possibly to allow the TTC some slack should unexpected problems crop up to disrupt service further. Trackwork may be complete, but paving and sidewalk reconstruction is expected to continue for a few more weeks.

Once complete, the new tracks will offer Carlton passengers a smooth ride and, better still, no more slow orders. The tracks should last at least 25 years before they need to be replaced.