See new video of progress on Davenport Diamond Guideway project
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Trains headed in and out of the Greater Golden Horseshoe could reach speeds of 140 kph.
Metrolinx
Metrolinx communications senior advisor Teresa Ko prepared this piece on the Davenport Diamond Guideway project, and we thought you would find it interesting.
Metrolinx has made a video that takes viewers on a journey of the Davenport Diamond Guideway project and illustrates progress made over the past 18 months.
It includes renderings that illustrate how two-way, all-day train service on the Barrie GO line will be possible by removing traffic conflicts at grade crossings as well as creating safer connections within the community.
But first, here’s a project map showing what’s being built to give needed context to the video.
Metrolinx has made significant progress since the last flyover video – but not all of it is visible.
So much of the work that’s been completed is underground. This includes drilled caissons and ground improvement to build the support and foundation needed for various elements of the project, like the elevated guideway and north MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) wall. MSE walls at the north and south ends of the project will bring trains up to the height of the elevated guideway and back down to grade again. It’s like a really big ramp made of reinforced soil designed to support the weight of the trains passing above.
Interested in knowing more about the Davenport Diamond Guideway Project? Just go here.
Two other major activities have also taken place.
The removal of the existing track and installation of the diversion track – a project milestone achieved in September 2020 – and the demolition of the west half of the Bloor Street West rail bridge last November. Both of these can be seen in the video, but you have to look closely.
Watch video here: https://videopress.com/embed/jJJjoUXh
Since the filming of the video, more visible progress has been made. Several sets of concrete columns are now standing at Dupont Street, that will soon hold the weight of passing GO trains. Crews have also completed the demolition of the bridge abutment and sidewalk on the south side of Bloor Street West.
The guideway project supports GO Expansion, part of a larger system-wide plan to improve GO rail service on core segments of the network.
Metrolinx is delivering more ways for customers to access the region. Expansion on the Barrie GO line includes creating a seamless connection to Caledonia Station, which is currently under construction. Caledonia Station will be directly integrated with the future Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
For more information on the Davenport Diamond Guideway project and to get the latest updates, sign up for our Toronto West weekly e-blast metrolinx.com/davenport or follow us @GOExpansion.
You can also connect directly with the community relations team at [email protected].
