Reconstruction of streetcar track, mainly special work at intersections, continues this year with the intersection of College & Lansdowne. This forms one third of “College Loop” at the triangle of Lansdowne, College and Dundas. The west leg at Dundas & College is planned for 2018, and the south leg at Dundas & Lansdowne in 2019. These dates are subject to change as track projects are co-ordinated with other work, notably that by Toronto Water.

Updated August 11, 2016:

I inquired of the TTC about some aspects of this work. Here are my questions and the replies from Stephen Lam, Head of the Streetcar Department.

1. The trailing switches have boxes similar to the one used for facing points for electric switch machines. [See last photo in the gallery below.] What is this for?

The larger boxes on the trailing switches (east/west) are in place in order to accommodate the mechanical parts to a new prototype switch we are planning on testing out.

2. The track northbound on Lansdowne now veers to the left rather than running straight north so that the position of the curves at College is shifted slightly. Is there an intersection redesign going on as part of this work that requires this? On a related note, the north to east curve was supposed to be non-clearance for a turning CLRV and a vehicle running through straight west. Has this been changed with the curve in a new location?

The track northbound veers to the left due to realignment of the northbound shoulder lane, this will allow for two proper shoulder lanes northbound and southbound. The north to east curve is designed to allow both north to east and westbound cars to traverse through the area at the same time.

3. Parts of the new track appear to be at a lower level than the surrounding curb lanes. Is the intersection being regraded?

The City redesigned some of the grades within the intersection to allow for improved slope to the catch basins.  When standing from the street, it can be deceiving when looking at the rail in relation to the road.  You have a better perspective when standing inside the pit. The grades still need to be set by the City.