A major downtown Toronto intersection will be inaccessible for several months as crews undertake the critical task of replacing water infrastructure dating back to the Victorian era. Starting June 3, the intersection of Queen Street West and University Avenue will close completely to accommodate the replacement of 142-year-old watermains that have served the city since 1882.
The extensive construction project will create significant challenges for commuters and businesses in one of Toronto’s busiest corridors. City officials announced the closure will remain in effect until September, with the intersection reopening just before the Toronto International Film Festival brings its annual influx of visitors to the downtown core.
“This is essential infrastructure work that simply cannot be postponed any longer,” explained Toronto Water General Manager Lou Di Gironimo at yesterday’s briefing. “These watermains have exceeded their intended lifespan by decades, and failure to replace them now could result in catastrophic disruptions later.”
The aging Victorian-era cast iron pipes, installed during Sir John A. Macdonald’s first term as Prime Minister, will be replaced with modern infrastructure designed to serve the growing downtown core. The project coincides with ongoing TTC track replacement at the same intersection, allowing crews to address multiple infrastructure needs simultaneously.
For daily commuters, the closure necessitates significant route adjustments. The TTC will divert the 501 Queen streetcar around the construction zone, while motorists are advised to seek alternate east-west routes including Richmond, Adelaide, or Dundas Streets. Pedestrian access to nearby businesses, hospitals, and government buildings will be maintained throughout construction.
The intersection closure is particularly challenging given its proximity to Toronto General Hospital, Osgoode Hall, and numerous businesses already struggling with post-pandemic recovery. The city has pledged to work with affected business owners to mitigate impacts.
“We recognize this creates hardship for many stakeholders,” acknowledged Barbara Gray, Toronto’s General Manager of Transportation Services. “Our teams are working to ensure the construction proceeds as efficiently as possible while maintaining essential access for emergency vehicles and hospital traffic.”
The watermain replacement represents just one component of Toronto’s aging infrastructure challenges. According to a 2023 city infrastructure report, nearly 17% of Toronto’s water distribution system has exceeded its intended service life, with replacement costs estimated at $2.6 billion over the next decade.
This summer’s Queen and University closure highlights the complex balance between maintaining historical infrastructure and minimizing disruption in a growing metropolis. As Toronto continues addressing its infrastructure deficit, residents must prepare for similar projects across the city in coming years.
As crews prepare to break ground on this significant project, one question remains for Toronto’s leadership: How will the city better coordinate future infrastructure projects to prevent the cascading closures that have frustrated residents in recent years?
