TTC signal upgrades continue this weekend
This weekend, Oct. 21-22, essential work and testing on the TTC’s new Automatic Train Control (ATC) system will require Line 1 Yonge-University to close between St George and Sheppard West stations. This work is in preparation for the opening of the Line 1 extension to York Region on Dec. 17.
This is the second to last closure on this portion of Line 1 this year. The final St George to Sheppard West closure will take place Nov. 4-5. When installation is complete on Line 1 in 2019, ATC will result in a more reliable signal system that will allow for a 25-per-cent increase in the number of trains operating on the line.
Shuttle buses will run between Sheppard West and Lawrence West stations only due to on-street construction around Eglinton West, St Clair West and Dupont stations. To supplement shuttle service and move customers more efficiently to the Yonge St. side of Line 1, the TTC is doubling service on nine east-west bus and streetcar routes in the closure area.
Surface routes with extra service are:
- 7 Bathurst
- 14 Glencairn
- 32 Eglinton West
- 52 Lawrence West
- 84 Sheppard West
- 96 Wilson
- 109 Ranee
- 127 Davenport
- 512 St Clair
To provide better bus service, parking will be restricted on Bathurst St., between Bloor St. and Barton Ave.
Wheel-Trans buses will operate during the closure for customers requiring an accessible connection. Customers can speak with any TTC staff to request the service.
Dupont and Glencairn stations will be closed. All other stations will be open for fare sales and access to surface routes.
While the TTC does much of its subway maintenance work at the conclusion of service each night, it continues to require weekend closures to complete ATC and state-of-good-repair work, like replacing track and maintaining switches. One weekend of work during a closure is equivalent to about five weeks of nightly work.
A video explanation of signal systems, Automatic Train Control, and why the TTC needs weekends to complete critical work is available at https://youtu.be/FcGhkh10Q3I
Regular subway service resumes Monday, Sept. 18 at 6 a.m. The next scheduled subway closures are:
- Oct. 28-29 - Line 1 Yonge-University: St Clair to Lawrence stations for track work.
- Nov. 4-5 - Line 1 Yonge-University: St George to Sheppard West for signal work.
- Nov. 11-12 - Line 1 Yonge-University: St Clair to Lawrence stations for track work.
Queen Station closed this weekend
Queen Station will close from 11 p.m. Fri., Oct. 20 until the start of service on Mon., Oct. 23 to accommodate installation of the TTC’s new paddle-style fare gates with PRESTO.
As Queen Station is one of the TTC’s busiest, with tighter fare lines, this closure is necessary to complete work that cannot be done when the station is open. Throughout the weekend and early nightly closures, trains will pass through the station without stopping.