Update: Emergency Exit Building Construction near Petman Avenue - Utility Relocation Work Moves to the Middle Lanes of Eglinton Avenue East

Emergency exit buildings (EEBs) are built in between stations when station platforms are more than approximately 760 metres apart to allow for easy evacuation of passengers. The construction of an EEB includes the building of an evacuation pathway, a set of stairs from the tunnel to ground level, and a small building at the surface. The scale of construction is similar to building a small-scale underground station. Generally, it takes up to 24 months to complete construction at each EEB.

What work is starting?

What: Following utility relocation work on the south side of Eglinton Avenue East at Petman Avenue, crews will be relocating underground utilities in the middle lanes, and then on the north side of the Eglinton Avenue East roadway in the vicinity of Petman Avenue.

Why: Headwalls are required to be in place, prior to the arrival of tunnel boring machines, at each end of our station and emergency exit building locations. Construction of emergency exit buildings requires utilities to be moved safely out of the way before work begins. Depending on site conditions, gas, hydro, watermains, sewers, traffic and street lighting, as well as telephone lines, will be relocated to allow for construction.

When: Starting as early as next week, crews will occupy the three middle lanes of Eglinton Avenue East for approximately a month from east of Forman Avenue to west of Marmot Street to relocate utilities in advance of the emergency exit building construction. Some work may be rescheduled or adjusted due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.  

Where: Construction will be in place on Eglinton Avenue East, from Forman Avenue to Marmot Street, for approximately a month to relocate utilities. 

Traffic Details

• Traffic will be shifted to the eastbound and westbound curb lanes of Eglinton Avenue East around the work zone.  
• Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction near Petman Avenue from Forman Avenue to Marmot Street.
• Left turns from Petman Avenue to westbound Eglinton Avenue East will be prohibited.
• Left turns from westbound Eglinton Avenue East to southbound Petman Avenue will be prohibited.
• On-street parking will be prohibited along Eglinton within the construction zone.

Traffic patterns in the area will continue to change and shift during different stages of work. All work zones will be separated from the right-of-way with traffic cones, concrete barriers and/or fencing. Traffic delays are expected during construction. Please watch the traffic signs and take care when travelling near construction areas. 

Transit Information 

For the safety of transit riders, both eastbound and westbound TTC bus stops in the affected area will be relocated. Watch for posted signs and future information indicating the new locations.  

Pedestrian Information

During this stage of construction, all sidewalks will remain open.  Access to stores along Eglinton Avenue East will be maintained.

Work Hours

Most of the work will be carried out between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., 7 days a week. In certain situations, some late night and/or early morning works may be required to complete the work and keep construction moving. The contractor will not always work during the extended hours, but may do so at its discretion.

Noise and Vibration

Noise and vibration associated with construction can be expected with this work. 

Please Contact Us

If you would like more details about this work or any other aspect of the Eglinton Crosstown project, please do not hesitate to contact us. We thank you for your continued patience as we work to build rapid transit.

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