Construction on the Eglinton Crosstown (LRT) tunnel in the Leaside area is due to start any day now. They’re already moving Hydro poles on the north side of Eglinton east of Laird. From the Metrolinx site:
What work is starting?
What: Crews will be relocating a watermain for the construction of the east headwall for the future Laird Station. Headwalls are underground support walls located at the east and west ends of the future station location. Following the relocation of the watermain, crews will be installing the east underground station headwall in advance of the twin tunnel construction.
Why: These station headwalls are required to be in place prior to the arrival of tunnel boring machines at each of the station locations along the Eglinton Crosstown route. As a terminus station Laird will include special track sections requiring an elongated underground section. Construction of the headwalls requires the utilities to be moved safely out of the way.
Where: The work zone will extend approximately from Brentcliffe Road to Laird Drive along Eglinton Avenue East. Construction will take place in two stages. The work zone will be located on the south side of Eglinton Avenue East during stage one and shift to the north side of Eglinton Avenue East during stage two. Barrier with chain link fence will be used to separate the work zone from traffic. Depending on the work schedule, work may commence on the north side to advance watermain relocation prior to installing the east headwall.
When: Construction will start in early spring 2014 (as early as the 4th week of March). Crews will occupy the roadway to relocate the watermain utility and install the Laird Station east headwall. Some work may be rescheduled due to weather or other restrictions.
Traffic Details
Traffic lanes will be reduced from west of Brentcliffe Road to east of Laird Drive along Eglinton Avenue East. Bus lanes will be accommodated where possible.