[Coolibop]

From today's board meeting:

View attachment 540871

This appears to be a further update from November when it was 28% (see post above) so per today it's now 36%.

Video here. Time-marked link to Crosstown update (I haven't had time to hear if there were other updates on the 'five work streams' cc @Northern Light):

Metrolinx Board of Directors Meeting - February 15th, 2024

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I listened.... The occupancy permits were for all the large/complex stations which I assume is good news.

Phil seemed most concerned with the signaling system & software updates from Alstom.

 

[SaugeenJunction]

Great, long testing video. Looks like train speeds have increased which is good to see.

 

[crs1026]

FWIW I had an errand on Eglinton East this morning. In the drive from the DVP to Kennedy I counted four two-car LRV sets out testing or training. That’s fairly intensive operation, suggests things are ramping up a little.
I also noted that towards the end of green light cycles, where both transit and auto signals are green, the transit signal goes yellow well before the auto signal does. Also, pedestrian signals count down but the countdown ends well before the auto signal turns yellow, so there is anperiod of “Don’t walk” at the end of the cycle. Seems in both cases, the timing is conservative so no one outruns the cycle.
Maybe I’m just getting used to the new layout, but as a motorist trying to be careful, it sure felt like there were more signs and signals to digest than felt right. I did observe one motorist attempt a left turn at a no-left intersection, which planted them right on the tracks while they awaited a gap in oncoming traffic. The prohibition was signed, but not that prominently among other signage, and more visible after starting the turn than approaching the intersection. (The lack of left turn lane might be a hint, of course….)
Anyways, things seemed credibly close to a fully operable state.

- Paul

 

[drum118]

FWIW I had an errand on Eglinton East this morning. In the drive from the DVP to Kennedy I counted four two-car LRV sets out testing or training. That’s fairly intensive operation, suggests things are ramping up a little.
I also noted that towards the end of green light cycles, where both transit and auto signals are green, the transit signal goes yellow well before the auto signal does. Also, pedestrian signals count down but the countdown ends well before the auto signal turns yellow, so there is anperiod of “Don’t walk” at the end of the cycle. Seems in both cases, the timing is conservative so no one outruns the cycle.
Maybe I’m just getting used to the new layout, but as a motorist trying to be careful, it sure felt like there were more signs and signals to digest than felt right. I did observe one motorist attempt a left turn at a no-left intersection, which planted them right on the tracks while they awaited a gap in oncoming traffic. The prohibition was signed, but not that prominently among other signage, and more visible after starting the turn than approaching the intersection. (The lack of left turn lane might be a hint, of course….)
Anyways, things seemed credibly close to a fully operable state.

- Paul

The number of sets are about the same I saw in January that were moving very slowly.

As for the traffic lights for the line, it has been that way since day one where it becomes red 10-20 seconds before traffic lights turn yellow. I don't know of another system where transit gets red before traffic does. Seen a few where transit is still green when traffic becomes red with nothing on the line.

Pedestrian countdown becoming red long before traffic seeing yellow let alone red is common for lots of places across the GTA to the point it can be 30 seconds or more before traffic stops. The same can be said for the flashing do not cross signals that you can miss catching a transit vehicle. Some countdown signals are too short that it takes two lights to cross Eglinton. Hwy 7 BRT is really bad for that

I have seen numerous drivers make illegal left turns or U-turns on the red since day one as well across the GTA. A fair number of drivers stop past the stop line as well blocking the crosswalk.

 

[goodcitywhenfinished]

Great, long testing video. Looks like train speeds have increased which is good to see.

Always looks odd to have a tram running through big box power centres and auto malls like that, but I am reminded that the entire area will be completely unrecognizable from today in 10-20 years.

 

[asey20]

Always looks odd to have a tram running through big box power centres and auto malls like that, but I am reminded that the entire area will be completely unrecognizable from today in 10-20 years.

That gives enough time during the redevelopment to tunnel that portion of the line.

 

[expo5770]

Always looks odd to have a tram running through big box power centres and auto malls like that, but I am reminded that the entire area will be completely unrecognizable from today in 10-20 years.

its crazy how much development is planned for golden mile because of this project. its so much that the area is going to be horribly underserviced by this line once all the condo developments are completed. its too bad our political leaders want toc's so badly but then don't have the foresight to adequately service them.

 

[Bojaxs]

Great, long testing video. Looks like train speeds have increased which is good to see.

Still looks like it's travelling too slow. I hope when the line officially opens, the travelling speeds will be quicker than what I'm seeing in this video. The C-trains in Calgary were a lot faster than this. I also didn't like how often the train had to stop for red lights. Really seemed to slow things down.

 

[allengeorge]

I did observe one motorist attempt a left turn at a no-left intersection, which planted them right on the tracks while they awaited a gap in oncoming traffic.

Ugh. I hope the city keeps data on this, and can prioritize remediations where warranted.

I hope.

 

[turbanplanner]

2.67% per month progress, on average, in each of the last 3 months. At that pace Crosstown will complete in another 24 months........... colour me unimpressed!

Isn't this also assuming no big delays and the station water issues won't throw another wrench?

 

[T3G]

Ugh. I hope the city keeps data on this, and can prioritize remediations where warranted.

I hope.

For mid block no left turn intersections, I am baffled that they would have a road across the track in the first place. Perhaps blocking these with bollards would be a possible solution? I mean it's not like there is even a question of motorists to placate at locations like that.

 

[allengeorge]

Isn't this also assuming no big delays and the station water issues won't throw another wrench?

It’s also assuming linear progress (at least I think it is). A lot of projects don’t tend to have this? But I could be wrong - maybe linear progress the case in construction and other physical projects.

 

[allengeorge]

For mid block no left turn intersections, I am baffled that they would have a road across the track in the first place. Perhaps blocking these with bollards would be a possible solution? I mean it's not like there is even a question of motorists to placate at locations like that.

I think @crs1026 observed this at a regular intersection. No way to put bollards there

I do wish we were ok with crossing arms though.

 

[nfitz]

I think @crs1026 observed this at a regular intersection. No way to put bollards there

I'm having problems thinking of a no left-turn regular intersection along there. Is there an example where cars are doing this?

 

[crs1026]

I'm having problems thinking of a no left-turn regular intersection along there. Is there an example where cars are doing this?

Vic Park west to south and Credit Union Road west to south are both no left's

PS - as are Pharmacy and Birchmount west to south.

- Paul