Finch West LRT project begins heavy lifting in 2020
Here’s a look back at the progress and what’s in store for Toronto neighbourhoods.
Dec 27, 2019
Inching closer to a new decade, we thought it was time to take a quick look in the rear-view mirror to the Finch West light rail transit (LRT) project.
The new light rail transit line will fuel the transformation of the community with fast, reliable transit from Humber College to Finch West Station.
Recently, the construction team reached a major milestone where they officially broke ground at the Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) located at Finch Avenue West, west of Jane Street, the Toronto complex where the light rail vehicles (LRV) will be stored and serviced.
As well, all major early works such as tree removal, construction of an access road and fencing installation have been completed along the route. A storm water containment pond for the MSF has also been built and excavation for the footprint of the building is complete. Stripping and removing of the topsoil layer at the rest of the site will take place in spring 2020.
The ceremony breaking ground on the new MSF. (Metrolinx photo)
Construction continues for the Highway 400 rapid bridge rehabilitation. Earlier in the year, the rehabilitation process started with crews setting up staging areas allowing for the installation of concrete barriers along the northeast and southeast on-ramps between Keele Street and Highway 27, complete geotechnical testing, tree removal and borehole drilling.
Expect to see major bridge rehabilitation work take place in the coming year.
Work on the new LRT route will continue to move ahead in 2020. (Metrolinx photo)
The Alstom LRV mock up made its Finch West debut over the summer with appearances at a handful of festivals in the community. The mock up is a representation of what the real vehicle will look like once the new transit line is complete in 2023. You can catch the vehicles’ next arrival at community events on the Finch corridor next summer.
The Alstom LRV mock up, which became a backdrop to many social media posts during the summer of 2019. (Metrolinx photo)
The start of the new decade will bring new phases and continued changes for the Toronto LRT route, utility relocations and road widening activities.
Project crews want to remind those in the communities to watch for traffic signage and exercise caution when navigating construction sites.
And we want to remind you to check back here, for more updates as the Finch West LRT project rolls along.
by Erika D’Urbano Communications senior advisor
