Starting March 8, early work on the project to replace the streetcar tracks on The Queensway requires TTC crews to weld lengths of rail together into longer strings on the tracks between Windermere and Ellis Avenues. Welding rails in advance helps create a stronger rail bond and allows track crews to progress more quickly through the process of installing the rail. Welders work daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Due to the potential safety risk resulting from high volumes of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the Windermere Avenue area, crews work overnight from midnight until 5 a.m. Mondays through Fridays to move the rail strings west of Windermere Avenue to store them.
Since crews are working in the streetcar right-of-way, they do not block traffic lanes. Shuttle buses continue to replace streetcars along the 301 Queen overnight and 501 Queen routes during the long-term construction project on The Queensway.
Welding and moving the rails on The Queensway continues until March 31.