Long-awaited construction to replace the watermains along University Avenue commenced on Monday, initiating extended lane restrictions on this busy roadway. This project is expected to continue until spring 2027, affecting traffic flow in the area.
The City of Toronto has announced plans to upgrade the watermain, alongside addressing what it describes as “substandard” water services that the City owns on the east side of University Avenue, stretching from College Street to Armoury Street. This replacement is crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of water services in the city.
Additionally, the project will involve roadway and pavement improvements. Adjustments will be made to the width of existing lanes between College and Dundas streets, impacting both traffic and parking to align with City standards. The City aims to enhance pedestrian accessibility by installing features that comply with Ontario’s accessibility regulations, including curb ramps and tactile warning strips. Efforts will also be made to reduce the radius of curbs wherever feasible, which will help tighten intersection corners. This is intended to slow down turning motorists, thereby improving safety for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing the streets.
This project has faced several delays; originally planned for October 2024, it was postponed to August 4 this summer before being pushed back again to late September. As of Monday, and continuing until an unspecified date this winter, only one northbound curb lane will remain open to facilitate traffic flow. Following that period, additional roadway updates and water service connections will occur from winter to spring 2027, during which one northbound median lane will remain operational.
Despite the ongoing construction, the City has assured cyclists that the bi-directional cycle track on the west side of University Avenue, from Armoury Street to College Street, will remain fully accessible throughout the project. This is an important consideration for maintaining safe cycling routes amidst the construction activities.
