[ssiguy2]

I know this would require Metrolinx to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time but...………..have they thought about putting up the electrification poles at the same time seeing the line they are already closing some of the track?

 

[Allandale25]

^ The pole design isn't done and will probably be standardized by the winning bidder of the DBFOM RFP. So probably premature. They did put in concrete bases for the poles at the Whitby Maintenance Facility.

 

[SaugeenJunction]

^ The pole design isn't done and will probably be standardized by the winning bidder of the DBFOM RFP. So probably premature. They did put in concrete bases for the poles at the Whitby Maintenance Facility.

Also, there are concrete electrification bases on the UP Pearson spur too.

 

[drum118]

Also, there are concrete electrification bases on the UP Pearson spur too.

As well at Black Creek bridge, Humber Bridge and a few other ones. The overhead will be supported by the bracing of the 2 flyunders.

 

[SaugeenJunction]

A few questions:

What's the status of the RER RFQ? That should be closing soon right?
Should we open a thread dedicated to GO Station upgrades so we can have a nice feed of photos?
When do we expect weekend Stouffville Line Service? (What a day will than be, all day weekend service on 5 Lines!!!)

Thought, I'd really like to see GO/Metrolinx Design a new Station Wayfinding Pilon similar to the ones the TTC has been installing at many subway entrances recently, but hopefully taller. Now that we are starting to see such big service increases lets start trying to get people more aware of the stations . . . .

The RFQ is closing October 18th, here is the link, if that is what you are referring to.

 

[Neutrino]

Someone mentioned GO should be building their own (new) lines. Where would some of these hypothetical lines be located? (fantasy thread alert)

 

[Streety McCarface]

Someone mentioned GO should be building their own (new) lines. Where would some of these hypothetical lines be located? (fantasy thread alert)

The Freight bypass.
Extra tracks on the midtown corridor
A spur to the STC
A new Milton line roughly running along the same corridor.

 

[SaugeenJunction]

So we should expect to hear more on the 18th? If this is going forward I guess we'd expect RFP close mid next year?

We won't hear anything for a while. The RFQ will close, then it will be probably a few more months before any word of the RFP is mentioned. Between this time, the Provincial Treasury Board will analyze the results, and cabinet will have to vote on this project. This will confirm that the project, according to the RFQ responses is both possible, and roughly within the financial scope of the committed cash. Essentially, this is a do-or die moment for RER. The next thing we will hear is the results of the Treasury Board analysis, as the RFP won't be dropped (or it will be, in an amended format) until this analysis is complete. More here on Page 9.

 

[Bureaucromancer]

The Freight bypass.
Extra tracks on the midtown corridor
A spur to the STC
A new Milton line roughly running along the same corridor.

I'd add, in an ideal world, the DRL and Sheppard lines with appropriate extensions and through services.

 

[Streety McCarface]

I'd add, in an ideal world, the DRL and Sheppard lines with appropriate extensions and through services.

But those would be TTC lines...most likely running with 3rd rail power collection and TTC gauge?

 

[Bureaucromancer]

But those would be TTC lines...most likely running with 3rd rail power collection and TTC gauge?

The only major issue in running them with RER compatible DMUs would be tunnel size on Sheppard (and yes, the DRL if it gets built and converted), which is A: fixable with enough cash and B: can be worked around by adding shoes to otherwise RER standard EMUs. Technically it's a non issue, and in service terms these are the places that new build RER would be a dramatic improvement on anything we've talk about in isolation.

Fare integration is obviously needed first, but that's something that can be worked out fairly easily once it becomes a real necessity.

 

[Allandale25]

Someone mentioned GO should be building their own (new) lines. Where would some of these hypothetical lines be located? (fantasy thread alert)

The Freight bypass.
Extra tracks on the midtown corridor
A spur to the STC
A new Milton line roughly running along the same corridor.

The Bowmanville Extension as well.

 

[Streety McCarface]

The Bowmanville Extension as well.

Isn't that one on the existing ROW?

 

[robmausser]

Isn't that one on the existing ROW?

I believe they are adding a single track to the CP corridor.

They also have to build the bridge over the 401.

 

[robmausser]

Two pictures from this summer that may help

It's not "moving ballast around" - it's putting down a proper subgrade instead of cinder ballast that dates from steam engine days, in a location that is constrained by concrete curbs, vegetation, roads, etc. And replacing track materials. etc. And fixing sightlines.

- Paul

View attachment 159501 View attachment 159502

Ok sure but are they just re-laying the old, crappy track that already exists there or replacing it with new track and ties?

They should be doing this right from the get-go.