Traffic set to clog as Eglinton East LRT work begins

The patience of Toronto commuters is about to be tested in a major way on Eglinton Avenue East as construction begins on the eastern section of the Crosstown LRT. Prior to this point, crews have been plugging away at the western portion of the line, which has already led to major backups in places like the foot of Allen Rd. It's all about to get a whole lot worse this spring. While it's crucial that we all think long term about infrastructure projects like this one, here's a little glimpse of the pain in store if Eglinton is a route that you frequent.

- Daily lane reductions are already in place between Laird and Leslie as construction crews prepare to install an excavation shaft.

- In early April, construction will begin on Laird Station, causing more closures in the immediate area for approximately eight months.

- That will be followed by station construction at Bayview and Mount Pleasant, with the former needing an emergency exit that will take two years to complete.

- Most impactful of all, when the tunnel boring machines arrive at Brentcliffe to dig west, traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction for over two years.

- When the machines are finally extracted at Yonge St., it's difficult to say just what a nightmare it'll be, but think apocalyptic.

I recall driving on Sheppard numerous times during the construction of that subway line. It was really bad. This will be worse. But, we can all take solace in the fact that the Crosstown will have far more positive and lasting effects on easing congestion in the decades to come. So pop a mouthguard in the glovebox and you won't grind your teeth down in the meantime. The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is expected to begin service in 2020.