It’s been a busy time for Toronto’s Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) line – and it’s powering up major work over the next 12 months.

The project ended the year by powering up the overhead catenary system along part of the alignment. Throughout December, teams performed testing to prepare for this important part of the project. This system includes the poles and cables that will provide power to the light rail vehicles (LRV).

In all, 59 overhead catenary system poles were erected, spanning from Pelican Gate to Sentinel Road, with 11 more to be installed at Driftwood Avenue to Tobermory Drive. With the electrical wires active, it’s important to exercise caution around construction sites and pedestrians should continue to cross at all designated crosswalks.

Like pulling a piece of thread through a needles, crews work on stringing the wires that will power the LRVs. (Metrolinx photo)

2021 saw two LRV’s arrive at the Finch West Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) from the Alstom facility in Brampton.

And 2022 will bring more vehicle deliveries and their testing along a portion of the alignment. Each LRV will be tested for 600 km within the ‘burn-in’ section of the line.

Want to know more about the Finch West project? Just click here.

The two largest stations, Finch West and Humber College, came a long way in 2021, but still have ways to go before completion. Over 2022, teams will continue structural work at both stations, including platforms and portals, as well as the important connection to the TTC’s Line 1 subway.

Several areas of the project became ‘track ready’ at the end of 2021, including the Humber College Portal, meaning that track installation can start in that area. Throughout the coming year, Finch Avenue West will experience an increase in track laid across the alignment.

There are countless other details of the project, including the retaining wall installation near Finchdale plaza, ramp improvement work at Highway 400 and at the Finch Avenue West interchange, as well as track slab concrete pours and installs, expanding the guideway, road widening and paving across the alignment. And, there’s also utility relocation works.

https://blog.metrolinx.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-Progress.pdf

The Finch West Community Engagement team will continue to keep the public informed and engaged throughout the construction process. Continue to follow all the progress by following the project on Twitter here.