Roads: Scarlett Road / CP Rail Bridge EA

[smallspy]

In the document ( https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-225843.pdf ) that justifies the cost increases for the engineering firm, the part that concerns me is this:
In February 2022, at the 90% review stage, Canadian Pacific Railway requested the City change the bridge superstructure type to one that maximizes flexibility for the railway's future operational needs, rather than limiting their ability to re-align tracks at this crossing with a through plate girder design.
Does this mean that CPR wants to add some additional capability (tracks and traffic) to the bridge? There was already a design change in 2014 to add an additional track for Metrolinx.

Not necessary capability or capacity per se.

The original design would have required all tracks to be parallel to each other, as the plate girders providing structural support would stick up past the top of the rail. By changing the design to one where all of the structural elements are below the track level, tracks can be installed at any angle CP feels that they require, or even allow them to place switches on the bridge.

Also of note, according to this document, the TTC is no longer requesting provisions for streetcar tracks.
The City issued a Request for Proposal for the detailed engineering design of the new bridge, including provisions for dedicated streetcar tracks in 2011. This Request for Proposal was retracted upon confirmation from the Toronto Transit Commission that there were no longer plans for future streetcars at this location.

This only slightly affects the design of the bridge as a whole. The slab that ties the bridge footings below the road can be made thinner and installed closer to the surface of the ground.

Dan

 

[KevinT]

There will be TWO left turn lanes from eastbound Dundas to northbound Scarlett. Better again for tractor-trailers.

I wonder how accurate these renders are? It looks like there's room on the abutments and centre support for a fifth track on the south side. Unfortunately none of these renders really show if the same exists on the north side for a sixth.

 

[crs1026]

I'm having trouble imagining a sixth track on the north side - the sidewalk and vehicular turning radius onto St Clair would be problemmatic.

- Paul

PS: There is in fact a turnout on top of the bridge currently.

 

[rickvbiker]

They are finally beginning the utility relocates for the project. First up is Enbridge who are going to occupy Dundas, Scarlett and St. Clair to install some new gas mains. This was forwarded by Gord Perks: https://www.gordperks.ca/noc?utm_ca...sletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=gordperks

 

[W. K. Lis]

They are finally beginning the utility relocates for the project. First up is Enbridge who are going to occupy Dundas, Scarlett and St. Clair to install some new gas mains. This was forwarded by Gord Perks: https://www.gordperks.ca/noc?utm_ca...sletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=gordperks

 

[Towered]

Ugh, of course on my main commute route...of course...

 

[crs1026]

Ugh, of course on my main commute route...of course...

Yeah - but the intersection(s) will be so much better once the new underpass is finished.

- Paul

 

[innsertnamehere]

yea - this underpass is a terrible traffic issue right now. It'll suck as it happens but once it's done, the intersection will operate a whole lot better than it does today.

 

[Towered]

Yeah - but the intersection(s) will be so much better once the new underpass is finished.

- Paul

A decade from now??

 

[max]

A decade from now??

You know the old saying, "The best time to rebuild your railway underpass is 10 years ago. The second best time is today."

 

[Towered]

No visible signs yet of anything starting.

 

[Towered]

 

[W. K. Lis]

Remember that this is for the utility, water, and sewer work first.

 

[crs1026]

FWIW the bridge was struck by a truck today, forcing Milton GO trains to detour via the Canpa Sub. No info on how long the reroute will continue.

- Paul

 

[crs1026]

As of 21:45 this evening, CP freight is using the bridge, so I expect things have cleared.

Interesting to see the use of the Canpa Sub - it does happen, it seems.

- Paul