Crews have powered up the overhead catenary system (OCS) that will soon  test the Crosstown light rail vehicles on the eastern portion of the transit alignment.  

The OCS is installed on poles and overhead supports along the light rail transit (LRT) tracks.

Crosstown LRT project constructor, Crosslinx Transit Solutions, has energized the system between Laird and Kennedy to begin testing and commissioning the light rail vehicles and rail system. The OCS from the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility to Caledonia is already energized with vehicle testing underway there. 

Powering up  the system is no easy feat and involves lots of electricity. Experts are reminding everyone to stay clear of the construction zone, including overhead wires, when travelling on Eglinton Avenue East. That means continuing to obey construction signage and staying away from the construction site.   

These OCS cables allow power to be delivered from 15 traction power substations located along the LRT alignment. To date, 274 kilometres of medium voltage and DC cables have been installed, about 72 per cent of the cables that will run the line. There are exactly 192 OCS poles installed along Eglinton Avenue East supporting these powerful wires.

Starting later this month, six vehicles will be delivered to the eastern portion of the Crosstown and will start to run across this section of track as vehicle testing takes place.  

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