LRT Upgrades Cause Service Disruptions
A number of projects to upgrade portions of the LRT system are currently underway that may cause short term service disruptions for customers. Every effort is being made to schedule the bulk of the work during weekday mid-day and evening hours and on weekends to minimize impacts for passengers. Full service is still being scheduled for normal peak commuter travel times and major special events.
The overall goal of the program is to improve the capacity and reliability of the Northeast portion of the LRT line so ETS can run 5-car trains on the entire system. The upgrades should be complete in early 2011.
The upgrades will address improvements to operation reliability, replace obsolete equipment and support growth requirements. A number of projects are being done at the same time due to Federal and Provincial grant programs which are time specific.
Major projects include:
South LRT Line Platform Retrofit
Platform extensions at McKernan/Belgravia and Health Sciences stations to accommodate 5-car trains. Construction is underway from June to October. Single track operation during mid-day and evening hours plus some night work.
North East LRT Line (Central - Clareview) Signal System Upgrade
This upgrade will provide better on-time service and improved safety for pedestrian and motor vehicles at level crossings. Work is underway with completion scheduled for April 2011. During day, evening and night at various times minor delays.
North East Ductline Installation
To assist the signal system upgrade, a new ductline is being installed along the line between Churchill and Clareview stations with completion scheduled for August 2010. Work is coordinated with other projects during mid-day and evening service hours.
North East LRT (Health Sciences – Clareview) Line Electrical System Upgrade
This upgrade will allow operation of 4- car and 5-car trains using the new vehicles. Work along the right-of-way is scheduled from June to early 2011. Substation upgrades (Stadium – Clareview) are scheduled from July to December 2010 to increase power capacity along the line.
Coliseum Platform Rehabilitation
Refinishing the surface at both ends of the platform is scheduled to begin in August. The centre portions of the platform will be done in spring 2011.
Churchill Station Escalator Replacement
Both sets of escalators from the platform to the mezzanine level are being replaced, one set at a time. Work is scheduled to start near the end of 2010. This is part of a multi year replacement program for all escalators on the LRT line north of Health Sciences Station.
Old Model Light Rail Vehicles Upgrade
The original U2 vehicles are being refurbished to upgrade outdated systems and replacement parts. Three vehicles at a time are being retrofitted by Bombardier Transportation with project completion scheduled for December 2012. The U2 vehicles (total 37 vehicles) average 30 years of age and have never had a major overhaul. The upgrades will maximize the life of the U2, add 15-20 years of reliable service.
