This is the final post for the Lower Don Construction Blog related to the Phase 1 improvements on the trail, which are now substantially complete with the reopening of the trail on September 23, 2017.
Thank you for following and contributing.
Here are some final updates, forward-looking comments, and ways you can continue to follow trail news and interact with us…
Rail crossing at Pottery Road
Many of you have provided valuable insights into the rail crossing by the new Pottery Road trail bridge.
- Thanks to your comments, this spring, new pavement markings will be applied to the trail leading up to the crossing as well as warning signage adjacent to the trail. The markings, saying “CAUTION [Rail symbol] CROSSING,” will alert riders to the crossing ahead.
- We are also working with Metrolinx to re-examine the P-gate arrangement at the crossing to see if further improvements can be made at this location.
- Pavement markings will also be added to the trail in both directions leading up to the new Belleville Underpass, to alert riders to the tunnel and slight trail curve.
Wayfinding Pilot
The new signs in the Lower Don Trail represent the first deployment of the new Parks and Trails Wayfinding system. Comments related to the new signs have been forwarded to project managers, who are evaluating this pilot phase over the winter. You can send additional comments to parkwayfinding@toronto.ca.
Phase 2, Lower Don Trail improvements
Planned Phase 2 work on the Lower Don Trail includes:
Riverdale Ramp:
A new accessible ramp will connect the Riverdale footbridge to the trail below. Staff is in the final stages of completing design and feasibility studies on such issues as floodplain hydrology with our partners at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. We’ll be providing project updates on our other communications platforms, see below.
Dundas Street staircase and Trail Improvements between Riverdale footbridge and Don Landing/Corktown Common:
Design work has been completed and tender documents prepared. Construction is currently not funded, though staff is working on securing funding for this important work. Announcements, including timing, will be made on our other platforms.
Sorry, we do not have a proposed Phase 2 construction schedule at this time, but we are working on it. We anticipate updates to this blog with general information on Phase 2 timelines by spring.
Lessons learned
Lessons learned on Phase 1 projects will be incorporated into Phase 2 planning and sequencing. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Working with other jurisdictions in the Lower Don to compress the permit application process, which added a considerable amount of time to Phase 1 projects
- In common with other critical transportation infrastructure projects, working with contractors and stakeholders to improve timeline forecasting and set appropriate schedules that minimize inconvenience and the length of any necessary trail closures
- Creating better detour options and more robust communications around those options and around project progress.
Maintenance, flooding, vandalism
The Lower Don Trail is located in an active floodplain and conditions change. Please report any flooding or maintenance issues, including vandalism, to 311. You can call 311, email 311@toronto.ca or tweet @311toronto.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issues flood alerts. Visit https://trca.ca/floods/ for current conditions and alerts.
Keeping in touch
There are many other ways to stay in touch with us.
- If you subscribed to this blog and supplied your email address, you’ll receive Phase 2 updates. You can opt out at any time.
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to receive Lower Don Trail project and programming updates, along with news about the new Council-approved Ravine Strategy and other news from Parks, Forestry and Recreation.
- You can call 311 with specific inquiries or concerns.
Thank you.