[ThenWhat]

An interesting discussion about switches, with a lot of good information. But: How often do you actually have to throw a switch in normal operation? If all trains follow the same route, don't the switches stay in the same position the whole day?

This is not a trick or rhetorical question. I really want to know the answer.

 

[lastcommodore]

An interesting discussion about switches, with a lot of good information. But: How often do you actually have to throw a switch in normal operation? If all trains follow the same route, don't the switches stay in the same position the whole day?

This is not a trick or rhetorical question. I really want to know the answer.

Any train entering or exiting a yard, diversions (not applicable to the LRTs), third track storage (I believe 5 has one at Laird and somewhere else), and most frequently, crossovers entering or exiting a terminal station if it's not a loop.

Line 5, thankfully, has both terminal crossovers underground and sheltered. Edit: Only the eastern terminus crossover of Line 5 is sheltered. The crossover at Mt. Dennis is exposed. 6 has both exposed.

 

[crs1026]

An interesting discussion about switches, with a lot of good information. But: How often do you actually have to throw a switch in normal operation? If all trains follow the same route, don't the switches stay in the same position the whole day?

This is not a trick or rhetorical question. I really want to know the answer.

On major railways, it's very common in bad weather for dispatchers to try and line all movements in a way that minimizes throwing any switches. In some cases they will throw the switches every so often when no trains are around, just so they don't jam up. But yeah, every time the switch is thrown, there is an element of suspense until it either throws properly, or not. If the RTC can't get the switch to line properly, they have to call out the section forces or instruct the train to stop and clear out the switch manually.

On the LRT, leaving everything lined for through moves and not touching the switches further would likely be doable, with the exception that it would negate any ability to turn back trams or sideline malfunctioning trams. So not ideal and does constrain operations.

For streetcars, where there are multiple routes diverging at a particular switch, there isn't much choice but to throw the switch repeatedly, which calls on operators to get out and sweep - delaying their passage while they do this.

I would hope that for LRT either there will be maintainers deployed, or the switches would be left in the most useable position.... otherwise as noted the LRT becomes a streetcar.

- Paul

 

[thettctransitfanatic]

Serious Question - Are there any updates on whether the Eglinton LRT is opening in February, if yes, when in Feb? Also any update when TTC / City will be providing an update in "late Jan" as we are already in the third half of the month almost with no indication of an announcement date...

Within the next week or the week after is when you will likely hear from the TTC or City. From what I understand, TTC will implement Line 5 related changes to the associated bus routes on February 8th for that period of service changes, the rumoured date for a possible opening since December has been February 8th but this is obviously not officially confirmed.

 

[Steve X]

Any train entering or exiting a yard, diversions (not applicable to the LRTs), third track storage (I believe 5 has one at Laird and somewhere else), and most frequently, crossovers entering or exiting a terminal station if it's not a loop.

Line 5, thankfully, has both terminal crossovers underground and sheltered. 6 has both exposed.

The junction between the yard and the mainline is located just east of Mount Dennis Station which is exposed to the weather. Trains need to enter service so those switches would move around quite a bit.

Also the crossover into Mount Dennis Station is located at this junction which is also exposed to the weather. It’s not underground.

 

[duffo]

Within the next week or the week after is when you will likely hear from the TTC or City. From what I understand, TTC will implement Line 5 related changes to the associated bus routes on February 8th for that period of service changes, the rumoured date for a possible opening since December has been February 8th but this is obviously not officially confirmed.

I would not be surprised about a Feb 8th opening at all.

Crosslinx recently held a "finish line" celebration party, and Metrolinx is running simulated service test runs, open to all staff, next week.

 

[thettctransitfanatic]

I would not be surprised about a Feb 8th opening at all.

Crosslinx recently held a "finish line" celebration party, and Metrolinx is running simulated service test runs, open to all staff, next week.

Ok that's very good news then. Points to a Feb 8th opening but obviously we need official confirmation, which again, we will likely get within the next 2 weeks, so keep an eye out.

 

[A 6264]

Without trying to discourage anyone from asking questions, I find it strange that we get posts now and then asking if there has been an announcement of a new opening date, or even a rumour of one. Every time a date is put out, there is a flurry of posts talking aobout it, mostly saying we don't believe it. But if you don't see any recent discussion of a projected date, it's certain there is none.

Having said that, as an off topic observation, NASA's upcoming big project is Artemis II, a manned mission to orbit the moon but not land on it, which was originally projected for 2019 to 2021, but has been delayed for years - sound familiar? Yesterday it was in the news because they are now saying Feb 8 is a target date, though it's just the earliest possible date, and not a promise - also sound familiar? I think the TTC et al should set a new target of launching before Artemis II, whenever that happens, and try to upstage NASA. Is that not a reasonable goal?

 

[lastcommodore]

The junction between the yard and the mainline is located just east of Mount Dennis Station which is exposed to the weather. Trains need to enter service so those switches would move around quite a bit.

Also the crossover into Mount Dennis Station is located at this junction which is also exposed to the weather. It’s not underground.

I see. Thanks for the clarification. I kinda just assumed the crossover at Mt. Dennis was covered.

 

[jordanmkasla2009]

The junction between the yard and the mainline is located just east of Mount Dennis Station which is exposed to the weather. Trains need to enter service so those switches would move around quite a bit.

Also the crossover into Mount Dennis Station is located at this junction which is also exposed to the weather. It’s not underground.

That junction and all it's switch points are also heated with forced-air heaters

 

[Voltz]

That junction and all it's switch points are also heated with forced-air heaters

And are not embedded in concrete.

 

[PL1]

This might not seem like much, but I think it is another good sign of an imminent opening. I walk by Chaplin station every day with my dog. Since I have nothing better to do I like to stare in longingly. In the main station there has been an informational poster on the window in this picture (you can see the tape marks) for years. On the other side of the station near the orange bench there was a table, chair, and bulletin board. Again, had been there for years. These were both things placed for workers (contact numbers, health and safety, technical information etc). If they are removing infrastructure for workers that would be important or even legally required, then they must be getting the stations ready for customers.

Anyways, thought I'd add something that isn't endlessly arguing about how Line 5 should have been built different.

Similarly, the sign-in log and board with regulations for on-site workers, plus the desk etc in the future ?restaurant/store (the grey door at left) have been removed at Leaside station. I think they were gone by last Friday, but the picture is from today.

 

[Chaplinurbex]

Similarly, the sign-in log and board with regulations for on-site workers, plus the desk etc in the future ?restaurant/store (the grey door at left) have been removed at Leaside station. I think they were gone by last Friday, but the picture is from today.
View attachment 709743

I can also confirm the same things were removed from Forest Hill and Avenue Stations. So it seems like they are getting all the stations ready, for hopefully, the public.

Now I just need them to remove the barriers inside Eglinton Station and I think that will be the most promising sign yet.

 

[thettctransitfanatic]

New operating hours for Line 5 Eglinton LRT, starting Sunday, April 5

www.ttc.ca

Line 5 Eglinton is 19 kilometres of light rail transit connecting customers along Eglinton Avenue from Mount Dennis Station in the west to Kennedy Station in the east.


Line 5 Eglinton offers seamless interchange connections to Line 1 (Yonge-University) at Cedarvale and Eglinton stations, Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) at Kennedy Station along with GO Transit and UP Express connections at Mount Dennis and GO Transit at Kennedy. This much-anticipated new line will provide customers with fast, reliable and convenient transit across Eglinton Avenue.


What to know:

• Line 5 is 19 kilometres long and will take you from Mount Dennis to Kennedy stations and everywhere in between.
• Easy connections to TTC Line 1 and Line 2 subways, 68 TTC bus routes, GO Transit and UP Express!
• Onboard fare payment is not available. Tap your PRESTO, credit or debit card or your mobile wallet BEFORE boarding the vehicle.
• Vehicles are modern and accessible. They feature level boarding platforms, priority seating and clear audio-visual announcements. Plus, underground stations include elevators from street to track level, wide fare gates, tactile guidance and more.

The fully accessible Line 5 will improve the quality and reliability of TTC service along this busy corridor, supporting the growth of surrounding neighbourhoods and communities.


Check in for more details, including our opening date, over the next few weeks.

 

[hw621]

New operating hours for Line 5 Eglinton LRT, starting Sunday, April 5

www.ttc.ca

Line 5 Eglinton is 19 kilometres of light rail transit connecting customers along Eglinton Avenue from Mount Dennis Station in the west to Kennedy Station in the east.


Line 5 Eglinton offers seamless interchange connections to Line 1 (Yonge-University) at Cedarvale and Eglinton stations, Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) at Kennedy Station along with GO Transit and UP Express connections at Mount Dennis and GO Transit at Kennedy. This much-anticipated new line will provide customers with fast, reliable and convenient transit across Eglinton Avenue.


What to know:

• Line 5 is 19 kilometres long and will take you from Mount Dennis to Kennedy stations and everywhere in between.
• Easy connections to TTC Line 1 and Line 2 subways, 68 TTC bus routes, GO Transit and UP Express!
• Onboard fare payment is not available. Tap your PRESTO, credit or debit card or your mobile wallet BEFORE boarding the vehicle.
• Vehicles are modern and accessible. They feature level boarding platforms, priority seating and clear audio-visual announcements. Plus, underground stations include elevators from street to track level, wide fare gates, tactile guidance and more.

The fully accessible Line 5 will improve the quality and reliability of TTC service along this busy corridor, supporting the growth of surrounding neighbourhoods and communities.


Check in for more details, including our opening date, over the next few weeks.

Only took 15 years to build...