According to the City of Toronto, each year it replaces approximately 3000 substandard water service pipes during planned construction projects. This summer they are tackling the water main beneath Spadina Road between Bloor and Dupont Streets, which is more than 130 years old.
Construction is set to proceed now that restrictions put in place due to the new coronavirus have been lifted by the Province of Ontario.
The project is a part of the Council-approved 2020 Capital Works Program to improve water distribution and reduce the risk of water main breaks.
Work starts every Monday to Friday morning at 7am and wraps up at 7pm, with after hours and weekend work taking place as required. During those hours, traffic will be reduced to one lane on Spadina Road in each direction. Sidewalk and road restrictions within the construction zone are also in effect and parking is unavailable.
The contractor is excavating the road and digging a trench to access and install the new water main, replace city-owned water service pipes that do not meet current standards, restore all areas affected by construction, and resurface the road.
The work also includes removing and replacing driveways, municipal sidewalks, and grass boulevards where necessary.
The project’s scheduled completion date is the end of December, 2020. When that happens, the city says there will be improved water service in the area as well as repairs to damaged sidewalks between Bloor Street West and Dupont Street.
—Tanya Ielyseieva, Gleaner News