[PShells]

For the last few weeks there have been several contractors/flaggers at various level crossings and parking lots adjacent to stations on the ST line each morning, but no noticeable work or additional contractors in the area. There haven’t been any signal issues posted on GoTransit.com that would suggest flaggers are manually operating the crossings.

I know there is a GO notice posted on replacing the McNicoll level crossing on the June 6-7 weekend closure. I understand the concept of posting flaggers proactively at switched during snow storms but this feels different to the layperson. Is this indicative of regular maintenance or perhaps incremental upgrades ahead of the June 6-7 closure.

Areas I’ve seen them during my morning commute in May:
Hoover Park (this is apart of a level crossing upgrade)

Snider Dr

Unionville GO (parking lot northeast off Enterprise)

Denison St

McNicoll Ave (level crossing to be replaced June 6-7)

Agincourt GO (one contractor truck at west highland creek parking lot next to factory a few mornings last week. Today there were a dozen contractors going through a meeting at 8:30am)

 

[crs1026]

For the last few weeks there have been several contractors/flaggers at various level crossings and parking lots adjacent to stations on the ST line each morning, but no noticeable work or additional contractors in the area. There haven’t been any signal issues posted on GoTransit.com that would suggest flaggers are manually operating the crossings.

I am going to assume that these are protecting construction equipment and workers (and maybe autos) rather than the flagpeople in white trucks who protect trains and on-track workers? If so they may not be directly tied to crossing signalling construction or maintenance.

I would bet that ML insists pro forma on having such folks on many types of jobs regardless of whether they are needed or not. And maybe an ounce of extra protection isn't a bad thing....and nice easy work for some people.

Agincourt GO (one contractor truck at west highland creek parking lot next to factory a few mornings last week. Today there were a dozen contractors going through a meeting at 8:30am)

While riding GO I regularly see large groups of orange clad workers gathered on ML project sites. I have been tempted to take pictures of same and grind the axe a bit, but have resisted as without knowing facts, there may be good reason for these huddles. Suffice it to say it leaves me with the impression that there is lots of standing around on ML jobs - even more than the norm for construction generally - and maybe ML's work processes do favour using twelve people where four would do. Too many departments and every department needing a person at every meeting or site visit.

- Paul

 

[SubHuman]

There's road/Indy race course construction going on around Unionville GO station that is restricting access, and they're suggesting people consider using Centennial or Mount Joy instead.

https://www.gotransit.com/en/the-future-and-go/construction-notices/unionville-go-construction

 

[PShells]

While riding GO I regularly see large groups of orange clad workers gathered on ML project sites. I have been tempted to take pictures of same and grind the axe a bit, but have resisted as without knowing facts, there may be good reason for these huddles. Suffice it to say it leaves me with the impression that there is lots of standing around on ML jobs - even more than the norm for construction generally - and maybe ML's work processes do favour using twelve people where four would do. Too many departments and every department needing a person at every meeting or site visit.

- Paul

A subset of contractors were still at west highland creek seven hours later today at 3:30pm. Pylons were setup between the riverbank and retaining wall installed last year (under the CPKC rail bridge).

Perhaps a potential indicator of resuming construction in the area is the addition of a higher end two seater portapotty to the worksite. Im optimistic.

To balance out the general positivity I’ve had on the progress of GO construction activity I’ll share that the trees growing through the track ballast on the unused eastern Agincourt GO platform have returned. Should we bet on whether these trees can see beat the 3-4ft height the prior tree reached before being cut down?

 

[canarob]

I'm really starting to wonder if we'll see any new service on the Stouffville Line the rest of the decade. Maybe we'll get another grade separation after Finch is finished?

 

[cplchanb]

I'm really starting to wonder if we'll see any new service on the Stouffville Line the rest of the decade. Maybe we'll get another grade separation after Finch is finished?

they are honestly right there. stations are built and they just need to connect the track which for whatever reason they just cant seem to do... shame. it cant honestly be a simple culvert thats ruining all their plans just because its a bit different from what was designed.....