In conjunction with the development of 160 Front Street West, the City has approved a PATH tunnel connection between 160 Front Street West and Simcoe Place. This subsurface pedestrian tunnel will run across Simcoe Street, just north of Front Street, and will enter Simcoe Place on the concourse level. The approximate location is noted in green on the drawing below:
Construction of this tunnel is expected to last approximately 18 months, with a start date of August 21, 2021. Due to the amount of infrastructure located underneath Simcoe Street, the tunnel will be excavated from above, using “cut and cover” surface excavation methods including piling/shoring, followed by cast in place concrete construction.
In order to accommodate the above-noted construction, the following street closures are in effect starting Saturday, August 21, 2021 until approximately January 2023:
- Simcoe Street will be closed to northbound and southbound vehicular traffic, from Front Street to Wellington Street – with the exception of vehicles which need to access the SPL/RBCC loading dock.
- Wellington Street will be closed to eastbound vehicular traffic from John Street to Simcoe Street. Please note, Wellington Street will remain open to westbound traffic.
How will this impact the Simcoe Place & RBC Centre loading dock?
During the Simcoe Street closure, access to and from the loading dock will be maintained. Vehicles must access the loading dock coming southbound on Simcoe Street from Wellington. Vehicles must exit the loading dock and turn north on Simcoe Street up to Wellington.
How will this impact the pedestrian walkway?
Pedestrian traffic will be maintained throughout construction on the west side of Simcoe Street. The pedestrian sidewalk will be shifted slightly west, so that it is directly adjacent to the Simcoe Place building, as shown in the drawings above.
How will this impact bicycle traffic?
Bicycle traffic will be maintained throughout construction. During Phase I of construction, the bicycle lanes will be on the east side of Simcoe Street. During Phase II of construction, the bicycle lanes will be moved to the west side of Simcoe Street. Please refer to the drawings above.
Note, the street-level bicycle racks will be relocated to the west side of the building, in the Simcoe Place Parkette.
Timelines:
PCL has provided timelines for the next 3 weeks. Please click here for list
If you have any questions or concerns about the above-noted closure, please don’t hesitate to contact Allison Stryland, Property Manager at allison.stryland@cadillacfairview.com