There are a lot of noticeable changes along Hurontario Street.

From the LRV tracks to an updated elevated guideway over Highway 403, to a new underpass at the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) – there’s a lot of exciting progress.

One part of that progress is the installation of traction power substations along the line and at the project’s maintenance and storage facility.

On the Hazel McCallion Line, each TPSS will be connected to utilities and convert alternating current into 750-volt direct current that will run through the overhead wires and power the line.

Installation

The first TPSS was installed on March 8 on the west side of Hurontario Street and Skyway Drive.

Installation of the 13 power substation units will happen gradually across the line – with the “burn in” section of the track from the OMSF to Matheson being prioritized.

Check out photos of the first TPSS after it was installed earlier this month.

Fitting into the landscape

All TPSS structures are air-conditioned and therefore emit a low humming noise, similar to a residential air conditioner. They are designed to fit in seamlessly with the surrounding environment and can be found in neighbourhoods throughout the GTA and North America.

TPSS structures are used in similar projects, including to power the TTC and will be the power source of other forthcoming rapid transit projects like the Finch West LRT.

They are designed with safety in mind and will be regularly monitored by trained professionals.

The next two TPSS are expected to be installed by this summer at Hurontario Street and Britannia Road and Hurontario Street and Topflight Drive.