Muhammad Amanullah
Date: September 22, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —Long-delayed watermain replacement and road restoration work has begun on Toronto’s University Avenue, with construction expected to create traffic restrictions in the area through spring 2027.
The City of Toronto began the project on Sept. 21, 2026, along the east side of University Avenue between College Street and Armoury Street. The work includes replacement of the watermain and City-owned portions of substandard water services, along with roadway, pavement and accessibility improvements. (City of Toronto)
Construction Finally Gets Underway
The project had originally been scheduled to begin in October 2024, but the work was delayed. A new start date of Aug. 4, 2026, was later announced, but that date also passed before construction could begin.
The City ultimately moved forward with the project on Sept. 21.
The delays were partly linked to coordination with other construction activity and preparations related to Toronto hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (City of Toronto)
The current project is expected to continue through the winter and into spring 2027.
Watermain Replacement and Road Work
The main component of the project is the replacement of the watermain on the east side of University Avenue from College Street to Armoury Street.
The City will also replace portions of City-owned water services that do not meet current standards.
Road resurfacing and restoration work will take place alongside the underground infrastructure work.
The project is part of a broader series of improvements planned for University Avenue and the surrounding area.
Lane Changes on University Avenue
The construction will significantly affect traffic patterns on University Avenue.
During the first phase, which runs from the start of construction until winter, only one northbound curb lane will remain open through the construction area.
During the second phase, expected to run from winter into spring 2027, roadway improvements and water-service connections will continue. At that stage, one northbound median lane will remain open to traffic. (CityNews Toronto)
Drivers travelling through the area are therefore expected to experience slower travel times and changing lane arrangements as the project moves between phases.
Lane Widths to Be Adjusted
The project will also change the width of existing lanes between College Street and Dundas Street.
The changes affect both vehicle lanes and parking lanes and are intended to bring the roadway configuration closer to current City standards.
The work is being coordinated with other improvements along the University Avenue corridor.
Pedestrian Accessibility Improvements
Pedestrian safety and accessibility are also part of the project.
The City plans to install new or improved curb ramps that comply with Ontario accessibility standards.
Tactile warning strips will also be installed to provide additional guidance for pedestrians, including people who may require accessible infrastructure when crossing the street.
These improvements are part of the City’s broader effort to make the corridor safer and more accessible.
Curbs Will Be Tightened at Intersections
Another element of the project involves reducing curb radii where feasible.
This will make some intersection corners tighter, with the City saying the changes are intended to encourage drivers to slow down while turning and improve crossing conditions for pedestrians and people cycling.
The improvements are connected to Toronto’s Vision Zero road-safety approach and its plans for University Avenue and Queen’s Park. (City of Toronto)
Two-Way Cycle Track to Remain Open
Despite the construction, cyclists will continue to have access to a two-way cycle track on the west side of University Avenue between Armoury Street and College Street.
The City says the cycle track will remain fully open and accessible in both directions during construction.
Cyclists travelling through the area will therefore be able to continue using the designated facility while work takes place on the east side of the avenue. (City of Toronto)
Work Continues Into Spring 2027
The project is divided into phases.
The first phase began in September and will continue until winter, when construction will pause or transition to the next stage.
The second phase will resume during winter and continue into spring 2027. It will include additional roadway work and connections between water services and the new watermain.
The City has said the overall project is expected to be completed in spring 2027, although construction timelines can change. (City of Toronto)
Hospitals and Other Road Users Advised to Plan Ahead
University Avenue is an important corridor serving several major hospitals and institutions, including SickKids.
SickKids has advised patients, families and visitors to allow additional travel time because of the construction. The hospital said it will remain open and accessible, with pedestrian and emergency vehicle access maintained. (SickKids)
Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are being advised to follow temporary traffic signs and use designated routes while construction continues.
Long-Term Infrastructure Improvements
The University Avenue project is part of a wider program of watermain replacement, road resurfacing, cycling and pedestrian improvements in the corridor.
The City says the work will improve underground water infrastructure while also providing accessibility, road-safety and cycling improvements.
Once the project is completed, University Avenue will have upgraded water infrastructure, restored roadway surfaces and a range of pedestrian and cycling improvements.
For motorists, however, the immediate impact will be extended lane restrictions and changing traffic arrangements through the construction period, with work expected to continue until spring 2027. (City of Toronto)
