The pandemic has a lot of things on pause, but improving transit isn’t one of them.

Metrolinx is working hard on several improvements to increase operational flexibility and improve track safety  – all in the name of future two-way, all day GO service on the Kitchener Line.

Improving GO service means upgrading and testing existing tracks, switches and signals to ensure the safety of train travel throughout the community.

Metrolinx will also be improving the level crossings at St Leger, Duke, and Lancaster streets in Kitchener, resulting in temporary road closures from March 19 to 22nd.

Level crossings are intersections where train tracks cross over the road. You can identify these crossings by the arms and lights that activate when trains pass through

Road closures in the area

Road closures will take place beginning March 19 at 8 p.m. and will wrap-up on March 22 at 5 a.m.

Detour signage and safety information have been installed by our partners at the City of Kitchener and have been posted near each crossing. The Community Relations team has hand-delivered notices to residents and businesses by each crossing, and all road users are reminded to follow the direction of all signage and flag persons.

• Duke Street: Road closed to vehicles and pedestrians from Mar 19 at 8 p.m. to Mar 22 at 5 a.m. Adjacent roads will be open.
  
• St. Leger Street: Road closed to vehicles and pedestrians from Mar 19 at 8 p.m. to Mar 22 at 5 a.m.
  
• Lancaster Street: Road closed from Mar 19 at 8 p.m. to Mar 22 at 5 a.m. Pedestrian crossing will be accommodated.

Safety is always central to the work Metrolinx does. That’s why during the construction, people might hear trucks using back-up beepers, a vital safety measure – but this will be limited to essential work only, and construction lights will be pointed away from residential areas.

On Sunday March 21, you may notice a GO Train travelling through your community as we test the improvements to the tracks and level crossings in Kitchener. We will begin testing around 8:00 a.m. through to the end of the day once all infrastructure is approved. Always remember – train time is any time, in any direction.

The community can also expect low to moderate noise levels related to the transport and movement of equipment required to complete the work.

If you have questions about the work or want to get in touch with the Metrolinx community relations team for more information, they can be reached at WaterlooRegion@metrolinx.com.

To learn more about improvements in your area, please visit http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/kitchener-go-expansion.aspx