By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Pearl
A long-awaited upgrade at the intersection of the T’railway and Commonwealth Avenue is expected to be complete sometime in July.
The crossing upgrade at one of the trail system’s busiest points began in 2025 before halting for the winter. Work resumed June 1.
“We’ve been saying it’s going to be done, it’s going to be done. But now it says June 1, how long will it take? When will it be done?” asked councillor Bill Antle during the May 26 public meeting.
Director Scott Batt said that upcoming work includes some curb and sidewalk replacement as well. He said pole bases that are being put in place are pre-cast off-site and are being worked on.
“When June 1 comes we’re going to excavate and install those pole bases. A lot of the hardware like the poles themselves and the buttons and things like that, that’s going to come shortly thereafter but we’re hoping and targeting for the beginning of July for this to be operational,” said Batt.
The city says that more than 60 per cent of trail users were choosing to cross there, despite the absence of formal crossing infrastructure like crosswalks or signals, and that the intersection would greatly benefit from design improvements that better support safe and seamless movement.
A construction notice outlines how lane reductions will be in place on Commonwealth Avenue; however, through traffic will be maintained.
“There may be travel delays during this work, so please plan extra travel time.”