Underpass construction starts at Agincourt Go station

Underpass construction starts at Agincourt Go station. This file photo shows work at Sheppard and Progress avenues in November 2009 as part proposed Sheppard LRT. While the future of that plan is now in doubt, construction work on an overpass at the Agincourt GO station, west of Midland Avenue has brought traffic down to one each way on Sheppard Avenue as of Dec. 20. Staff file photo/DAN PEARCE

Construction of an underpass at the Agincourt GO Transit station is part of Sheppard East Light-Rail Project.

But unlike the rest of that project - whose future is in doubt as Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who wants it stopped, awaits a TTC manager's report expected next month - work on the underpass and new rail bridge is certain to go ahead.

"The Agincourt underpass is required regardless of the future transit plans for Sheppard Avenue East," said Devin Horne, community liaison officer for the project.

The detour, phased in over the Dec. 18 weekend, covers an area east of Kennedy Road, from Reidmount Avenue to Lamont Avenue, but will allow access to those streets and to the GO station.

The city transit commission and the provincial transit agency say lane closures "will be needed at times to complete essential work" and that TTC between Reidmount and Agincourt Drive may be relocated at times.

They have told residents, however, that construction will mean faster and safer travel on GO's Stouffville line as well as for motorists and pedestrians on Sheppard.

Lighting, landscaping and parking at the station will also be improved when work finishes, likely in late 2012.

Completion of the entire light-rail line from Don Mills station to Conlins Road was scheduled for late 2014.

Though the project's community office on Glen Watford Drive north of Sheppard is closed until Jan. 4, it will be providing project updates and other information to the public.

Residents can contact Horne by calling 416-397-8696 or emailing sheppardtransit@ttc.ca