How the Hurontario LRT team keeps night work noise to a minimum

Written by Erika D'Urbano, Metrolinx

When it comes to one of Peel Region’s busiest streets, construction for the Hurontario light rail transit (LRT) project is a balancing act. Night construction can be disruptive to neighbours, and daytime construction can impact traffic flow. Find out how the Hurontario LRT team makes it work.

Building transit quickly and safely sometimes means building it overnight.

Although overnight construction can minimize traffic restrictions during the day, and work can be completed quicker due to less traffic on the road, it isn’t routinely scheduled as it sometimes comes at a noisy cost to those living nearby.

However, when there is a significant safety benefit, overnight work may take place.  

Recently, crews completed work overnight near Highway 403 as the lane reductions during the day posed a danger for construction crews and motorists.

Upcoming overnight work will be happening on Nov. 11 between Central Parkway and Elm Drive as crews work to install a new watermain. Metrolinx will ensure nearby residents are notified ahead of time before any overnight work begins.

excavators and construction on Hurontario
The Hurontario light rail transit (LRT) team is working to keep night work noise to a minimum while building a new LRT line. (Metrolinx photo)

There are additional impacts to consider such as if the work requires utilities to be shut off, such as water. This work is usually coordinated overnight where demand for water is lower, reducing impacts on nearby residents and businesses.

excavators and construction on Hurontario with noise monitor
The team has on-site environment teams monitoring noise and vibration from the worksite to ensure they don’t exceed allowable limits. (Metrolinx photo)

There have been instances where properties may only have one way in and out of their business or residence onto Hurontario Street, and the work cannot be done in a way to safely allow for access. In these cases, overnight work is required for crews to safely complete their work and minimize impacts to the property.

Whatever the situation, when overnight work comes up, it is a joint decision between Metrolinx, constructor Mobilinx, and municipal partners to ensure this is the only way construction can be done in an efficient and safe way.  

Peel police car and construction on Hurontario
Night work is happening as part of the Hurontario LRT project. (Metrolinx photo)

How is night work mitigated?

When night work must be scheduled, crews are ready to:

  • Have on-site environment teams monitor noise and vibration from the worksite to ensure they do not exceed provincial and municipal thresholds.
  • Muffle the noise created by portable generators by encasing the generators with a plywood barrier.
  • Schedule noisier activities at times when it would create the least disruption to neighbouring residents.

The Hurontario LRT project is being built with the community, for the community. Residents can share feedback and shape how the project is being built in their neighbourhood by reaching out to Peel Community Engagement team with their questions or concerns.  

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