As part of TTC’s system-wide program of upgrading the overhead wiring to allow full pantograph operation for its new low-floor Toronto Flexity streetcars this summer, crews are replacing the overhead for the 301 / 501 Queen route. This project coincides with the projects to renew the tracks

• at the intersection of Queen Street West / King Street West / The Queensway / Roncesvalles Avenue; and
• on Queen Street West between Fennings and Bay Streets.

“The week of” Monday, July 5, the TTC and its contractor start installing 18 new overhead poles on

• Queen Street West between Spadina and University Avenues.

They’re installing:

• Eight poles from just east of Duncan Street to University Avenue; and
• Ten poles from west of Peter Street to east of John Street.

Crews start at University and work westward toward Spadina. Activities include:

• saw-cutting into the sidewalk;
• using a vacuum truck to make a hole for the new poles;
• installing the new poles; and
• placing new concrete.

They’ll remove the old poles at a later date.

The work zone restricts traffic lanes. A “paid-duty” Toronto Police Service is on site to help manage traffic movement through work zone. The City of Toronto may prohibit parking on the south side of the street near the work zone, while crews are working.

Crews will work around outdoor restaurant patio hours as best as possible. They may have to work early mornings or late evenings if the work zone is directly beside a patio to reduce the impact to the restaurants. They mostly work from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily.

The TTC is currently operating buses, instead of streetcars in the area, so the project does not greatly impact regular service. However, passengers aboard buses along these routes can expect delays:

• 301L Queen / Long Branch overnight shuttle buses;
• 501L Queen / Long Branch shuttle buses; and
• 501P Queen / Humber shuttle buses.

Pole-replacement on Queen Street West between Spadina and University Avenues continues “for approximately 2 weeks”, meaning as late as until July 19.