Canadian Railroads > First Sign of Spring

Today may be one of the last days when VIA trains between Toronto and Stratford will detour around construction on the former CN Weston Subdivision.

After this weekend's work window, the Georgetown South Project will have commissioned a second main track between Parkdale MP 2.5, and Nickle, MP 7.2. The Weston Sub was formerly double tracked as far as Keele, MP 5.3, but the second track was removed in 2008 to facilitate construction of the underpass at West Toronto.

That 1.9 miles (net) of new trackage is the beginning of the completion of the whole project, which will be finished this spring. By then, the Weston Sub will be completely grade separated as far as the new Pearson Airport spur, with three main tracks to that point, and a second track added from there west to Halwest. The new Union Pearson Express, and expanded GO service, will commence at that time.

Here's today's trains 84 and 85 (the latter expanded to three cars from the usual two) taking the long way around at Fairbank on the Newmarket Sub.

Also included is a shot of the snowy Galt/Weston Corridor looking south from Dundas Street. I posted a shot last year showing all but one track removed....now there are three tracks, with a fourth nearing completion, and two more to come. Ever since I was a boy, this corridor went to sleep every day after the mid-morning passenger trains, with nary a movement until the late afternoon rush hour. Come the spring, there will be UPX trains in both directions every 15 minutes, and GO trains all day long. Electrification is also in the works. It's winter's last gasp before a very different look emerges in the spring.

- Paul



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/22/15 11:54 by crs1026.

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