Residents invited to community meeting to discuss upcoming work.

Construction on the upcoming Eglinton Crosstown LRT line is set to accelerate this summer as crews prepare to tackle a critical portion of the future Sunnybrook Park stop.

Metrolinx’s constructor, Crosslinx Transit Solutions, says in order to make construction as quick as possible on the surface-level stop, it is proposing a partial closure of Leslie Street at Eglinton Avenue East for eight weeks during July and August.

Jamie Robinson, Metrolinx chief communications officer, says the closure is necessary because of the width of the road.

“Construction will cause some people in the area to change their routes, and we understand the great inconvenience this causes – but it will allow this construction to be done quicker,” Robinson says. “Keeping Eglinton open, and opening up more lanes at the intersections at Bayview and Don Mills, should help keep traffic flowing.”

Instead of six months of road closures on nights and weekends, and traffic configuration changes, CTS says the partial closure would allow for them to complete the work in two months.

Throughout 2019, CTS will be constructing the guideway and installing track at intersections between Leslie Street and Ionview Road, which is just west of Kennedy Road. A temporary eight week closure of Leslie Street at Eglinton Avenue is required for guideway construction and track installation.

The closure would be of Leslie Street only. Eglinton Avenue will remain open in both directions at all times. In addition, TTC has made adjustments to bus routes.

Pedestrian and cycling access between Leslie Street and Eglinton Avenue will be maintained throughout the closure. Cyclists are encouraged to dismount along the pedestrian route identified for transit riders. Full access to Sunnybrook Park will be maintained.

“We certainly understand your concerns about traffic in the area and our constructor, Crosslinx Transit Solutions, will be making every effort to ensure minimal impacts to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists,” Robinson said.

Robinson said they do not expect travel times in the area to be significantly increased as a result of the work.

Several weeks before the closure is implemented, CTS will install advance signage on Leslie Street, Eglinton Avenue and other major roads in the area. The 24/7 Crosstown call centre will be available to provide information and respond to issues.

Residents are invited to a community meeting to learn about upcoming construction, including impacts, pedestrian access and the construction schedule. It will take place at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, located at 6 Garamond Court, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on April 4.