Mayor Ford has requested that the TTC develop a new transit plan consistent with his platform. Work on a new plan is underway. For more info on the current plan see the Metrolinx website at http://www.metrolinx.com This is an external site and will open in a new window.

 

Transit City is an initiative to build eight new Light Rail Transit lines across Toronto to accommodate population growth and economic development. Environmentally friendly, electrically-powered Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) will travel in reserved lanes providing a fast, reliable and comfortable transit experience. Transit City routes will be accessible to customers with all levels of mobility and provide transit users with a high level of customer service and seamless connections with existing and future transit services.

The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and City of Toronto are bringing improved transit to Sheppard Avenue East within North York and Scarborough. The Sheppard East LRT project will provide a convenient underground connection to the subway at Don Mills Station. It will travel in a tunnel, under Highway 404, to and from Don Mills Station. The LRVs will emerge west of Consumers Rd into a reserved transit lane at surface, and travel in the centre of Sheppard Avenue East to Morningside Ave.

Artist rendering of Sheppard East LRT

Bombardier’s Light Rail Vehicle to be used on all Transit City projects will have significant service improvements, including:

  • Fast boarding from multiple doors
  • Proof of Payment (no tokens)
  • Fully accessible
  • Travel at 50-60 km/h
  • Increased capacity (280 passengers/vehicle)
  • zero emissions on the street

Looking East at Sheppard Ave East and Morningside Avenue

Sheppard Avenue East before construction.

Artist rendering of City vision of Sheppard Avenue East after construction.

Agincourt Underpass Construction

Purpose and Benefits of Upcoming Work on Sheppard Avenue East

Purpose:

Construction of an underpass where the GO Stouffville Line and Sheppard Ave East intersect at Agincourt GO Station is an important component of the Sheppard East LRT project. New LRT track will be installed along Sheppard Ave East between the West Highland Creek (just east of Kennedy Rd) and Lamont Ave (just west of Midland Ave). A new passenger stop (platform) will create a convenient transfer between TTC and GO services.

Benefits:

The underpass will allow GO trains to travel over Sheppard Ave East. This project will create a safer and quicker crossing of the GO Stouffville Line for motorists, TTC riders, cyclists and pedestrians. It will enable GO trains to operate more efficiently and provide more reliable service.

Conceptual Image of the Future Agincourt Underpass

This view is looking east along Sheppard Avenue East from the west side of the GO tracks.

Artist rendering looking east along Sheppard Avenue East from the west side of the GO tracks

Construction Timelines

Project Begins: Sept 2010
Projected Finish: Fall 2012
(timelines are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen events)

Agincourt GO Station improvements include:

  • Increased parking capacity
  • Landscaping enhancements
  • Lighting upgrades
  • Platform extension

Supporting Local Businesses

The TTC encourages the community to continue supporting all local businesses throughout construction. Information on the Sheppard East Village BIA is available at: www.sheppardeastvillagebia.com This is an external site and will open in a new window.

Work Details

Construction will include:

  • Complete temporary road and rail detour in Agincourt GO parking lot
  • Relocating utilities, such as gas, hydro, phone lines, watermains, and sewers
  • New railway bridge for GO train crossing
  • Light Rail Transit (LRT) infrastructure, including tracks and centre platform for passengers
  • New Street lights and traffic signals
  • Improved drainage

Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic

Traffic operations on Sheppard Ave East shall be maintained at all times via a newly constructed detour road. Lane reductions will be necessary at times to complete essential work. Advance notice of lane reductions will be given throughout the duration of the project. A safe route for pedestrians along Sheppard Ave East will be in place at all times.

GO Transit and TTC Services

No major disruptions to GO or TTC services are expected at this time. GO and TTC will keep all patrons well informed throughout the duration of the project.

Parking and Vehicle Access

During construction, a portion of the main Agincourt GO parking lot will be closed. Access to the station building, north parking lot and the remaining parking spaces in the main parking lot will be maintained. A new parking lot is also available for GO patrons on the south side of Sheppard Ave East, west of the tracks.

Work Hours

Work will generally take place from 7:00am - 7:00pm, Monday to Friday with weekend work and overnight work as required.

Work Zones on Sheppard Avenue East

Sheppard Ave East between the West Highland Creek (just east of Kennedy Rd) and Lamont Ave (just west of Midland Ave).

Aerial photograph showing Sheppard Ave East between the West Highland Creek (just east of Kennedy Rd) and Lamont Ave (just west of Midland Ave).

The Sheppard East LRT will:

  •  increase passenger capacity, comfort and transit reliability
  • decrease commute times
  • reduce reliance on cars
  • conserve energy
  • improve air quality
  • create jobs in the construction and related trades industry
  • support economic development

Need more information?

Monday to Friday
Devin Horne – Sheppard Ave East LRT, Community Liaison Officer (TTC)
416-397-8696
sheppardtransit@ttc.ca
TTY: 416-397-0831