Crews working for Metrolinx are removing about 190 trees along the Stouffville rail line near Mount Joy GO station in Markham to make room for a second track and a new platform.
The provincial transit agency says the work is part of GO Expansion, which aims to bring two-way, all-day train service to the Stouffville line. According to a construction notice posted for residents, the removals started as early as Feb. 16 and are scheduled to continue until March 31, or until all of the designated trees are gone.
Where and when
The work zone runs within the Metrolinx right-of-way from Castlemore Avenue to 16th Avenue, around the station near Markham Road and Bur Oak Avenue. Crews are working weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Neighbours can expect noise from excavators, trucks, woodchippers and chainsaws. Metrolinx says workers will try to keep the noise down and reduce the impact on nearby homes, and that equipment and materials will be secured inside the work zone.
What it means for riders
Train service at Mount Joy and along the Stouffville line is not affected.
About 10 to 12 spaces in the station's east parking lot will be unavailable while the work is underway.
Metrolinx says there will be no impact on pedestrians or road traffic.
Metrolinx says the second track and new platform at Mount Joy are needed to support two-way, all-day service on the line. GO Expansion's network-wide goal is more than 10,000 train trips a week.
Residents with questions can reach Metrolinx's York Region community team at YorkRegion@metrolinx.com or 416-202-4453. The agency notes that the schedule could change because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
