There has been a hum of activity on Highway 7 lately. To be specific, the hum of a hydrovac – a large truck-mounted vacuum used to bore holes in the ground. We’re widening some of York Region’s roads to add dedicated rapidway lanes, but to do that we need to locate utility cables and pipes in the ground, and then use a variety of trucks and tools to move all of the utilities further back from the roads.
In terms of utilities, all roads are not the same. Which utilities are in place, where they are placed, and who is responsible for them varies for each section of each road. Electrical power lines and telecommunication wires are often located aboveground on poles, but sometimes they’re buried underground. Gas lines, and sewer and water main pipes are also underground, but not necessarily located together.
In many cases, the utilities need to be moved in a certain order to spots designated by York Region’s Transportation Services Department, Corridor Approvals and Records Branch with input from the construction company. This branch ensures utilities are installed in appropriate locations and keeps record of utility locations. Each organization moves their own utilities and, while doing so, uses the opportunity to check over the equipment or upgrade it.
Municipal government is usually responsible for sewer and water main pipes, but a team effort is important in cases where they cross municipal boundaries. For example, the intersection of Highway 7 and Yonge Street includes land within the Town of Markham, the Town of Richmond Hill, and the City of Vaughan. Gas, electricity and telecommunication companies also vary depending on the location. At vivaNext we work with all of these stakeholders to accommodate schedules and procedures, ensuring we reach our goal of relocating utilities in time for the next scheduled construction activity.
One reply on “A hum of activity”
Why the Warden rapidway station is only half built?
Everyone who passes through Waden/ 407 will be shocked to see the station is incomplete after so many months of work and so much money already poured into it. Where is the remaining roof and wall on both sides of the skeletal poles left sunbathing out there? Anyone in Viva or Town of Markham can answer since we tax payers have already paid for it?
DaleA: Hi Richard,
Warden Station is fully built, and open for service. On the approach to either side of the station canopy we’ve installed curved steel lighting poles that reflect the curved design of the station structure. This is part of the station design, to provide safe lighting for customers standing anywhere on the platform.