Guelph is moving one step closer to having all-day, two-way GO service to Toronto from Kitchener.
Last week, Metrolinx began construction of a 2.6km passing track between Guelph and Kitchener in Breslau, which will allow trains travelling in opposite directions to pass each other – the first of three new passing tracks to be constructed along the Kitchener Line.
🛤 Soil is being removed along the rail corridor between Guelph and Kitchener to make way for a new 2.6 km passing that will help bring two-way, all-day service from #UnionStation to #Kitchener GO. Learn more here 👉https://t.co/yhte34ODBT pic.twitter.com/LlkedKxcId
— GO Expansion (@GOExpansion) September 2, 2022
Currently, the line only has a single active track running up to Georgetown, where GO trains share space with freight traffic. These passing tracks will allow for more GO train trips on the same line.
Work is also underway to put the second track in service through Guelph, according to Metrolinx spokesperson Nitish Bissonauth.
Other updates include work on the Norfolk Street Bridge and Wilson Bridge, which both require rehabilitation work before service can begin. Construction on the former is expected to resume in October, with steel repairs, waterproofing, sandblasting and painting.
Construction has been ongoing on the Wilson Bridge. The south span of the bridge was installed earlier last week, Bissonauth said, and the north span is expected to be installed this fall.
Later this month, track will be shifted onto the south span, and the north span will be demolished.
For the past seven months, Metrolinx has also been working on retaining wall rehabilitation in Waterloo Avenue Park in preparation for the all-day, two-way service. The entire wall has been refaced, tie backs have been installed, and the work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The next phase of work in the Guelph area includes a storage track for maintenance vehicles near Rockwood and a north platform at Guelph GO Station, which is already “well underway,” with ongoing construction of columns and a retaining wall that will support the future south platform and new canopy.
🦺Crews working at #GuelphGO are constructing a retaining wall that will support the construction of a new south platform as part of upgrades on the #KitchenerLine🚉 . Learn more: https://t.co/UPGgV2DJ1i pic.twitter.com/0YKFb1CYw6
— GO Expansion (@GOExpansion) September 7, 2022
🚧 At #GuelphGO approx. 40% of the support columns are now complete. These columns will support the future canopy over the new south platform as improvements continue on the #KitchenerLine🚆 . Learn more: https://t.co/jkMobl3tb6 pic.twitter.com/QY7fGcYY22
— GO Expansion (@GOExpansion) September 12, 2022
The next phase will also include a passing track at Acton GO Station, expanding the Shantz Station Road bridge and extending the second track in Breslau, as well as track realignments through the corridor.
Although they would not say how close Guelph is to seeing all-day, two-way service to Toronto, Bissonauth said additional GO service will be introduced incrementally as construction advances.
