Watermain replacement work closes lanes on portion of University Avenue until spring 2027
Long-delayed work to replace watermains along University Avenue began Monday, kicking off extended lane restrictions along a portion of the busy street until next spring. The City of Toronto says it plans to replace the watermain as well as the portion of “substandard” water services owned by the City on the east side of University […]
On Monday, the City of Toronto commenced a long-awaited project to replace watermains and improve roadway conditions along a stretch of University Avenue. The undertaking will also address substandard water services owned by the City on the east side of the avenue, spanning from College Street to Armoury Street. This initiative includes upgrading the width of existing lanes between College and Dundas streets, both for traffic and parking, to align with City standards.
Additionally, pedestrian features such as curb ramps, tactile warning strips, and reduced curb radii will be implemented to meet Ontario’s accessibility standards and enhance safety.
The watermain replacement and roadway improvements officially began on September 21, 2026, after multiple delays. Initially planned for October 2024, the project was postponed to August 4 of the following year, and finally to its current start date. From Monday until an unspecified date in winter, only one northbound curb lane will remain open to facilitate traffic flow.
Subsequently, from winter 2027 into spring, roadway updates and water service connections will be conducted, during which one northbound median lane will stay open to accommodate vehicle movement. Despite ongoing construction, the bi-directional cycle track on the west side of the avenue from Armoury Street to College Street will remain fully open and accessible to cyclists, as confirmed by the City in its construction notice.
Written by urgent.news from CityNews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
