Metrolinx is preparing to start work on Newmarket’s downtown train tracks next week as part of future GO train expansion.
The transit agency is relocating utilities from overhead to underground in the area near Timothy Street and Doug Duncan Drive. Work will be occurring weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., which will result in a temporary single-lane closure on the north side of Timothy.
The ultimate goal of the work is to allow for all-day, two-way, 15-minute GO train service in the years ahead.
“Across the entire network, our goal is to deliver over 10,000 train trips a week — so you will not need a schedule because you know the next train will be coming soon,” Metrolinx said in a construction notice.
The work will be ongoing until the end of March. In addition to a single-lane closure, parking spots on the east side of Doug Duncan Drive will be temporarily unavailable.
Flagmen and paid York Regional Police officers will be directing traffic. Pedestrians will still be able to cross, and the Tom Taylor Trail will be open, though temporary closures may occur.
Nearby businesses and homes may hear machinery, including excavators and dump trucks, but the town said there should be no impact on hydropower during work times.
“The town submitted requests to Metrolinx to schedule this work during shoulder season, to reduce road and parking closures as much as possible and to minimize the impact on the area and community events in the downtown,” the municipality said.
Metrolinx said there is a dedicated customer service team to contact with any concerns at [email protected] or call 416-202-4453.
More information is available on the construction notice.
