Another busy TTC streetcar route will be shuttered for four months, with the transit agency announcing a long-term replacement of the 509 Harbourfront streetcar route with buses set to begin this September.

The TTC says that it will begin a modernization project to upgrade the streetcar power network on Queens Quay and Fleet St., which will require the shutdown of streetcar service from September 3 until January, with buses operating instead.

The project — which will be constructed in stages — will involve the replacement and reconfiguration of overhead wires and upgrades to underground power systems on a three-kilometre stretch spanning from the Harbourfront streetcar tunnel to Strachan Avenue.

While the closure overlaps with the much-anticipated Taylor Swift tour dates in Toronto scheduled for November, the TTC has promised a temporary restoration of service during the pop megastar's visit to the city.

In fact, the TTC will be increasing service on multiple routes to accommodate the crowds expected to descend on the downtown core during this big-ticket event.

Once construction on the 509 route is complete next year, the line will feature an upgraded overhead pantograph power system, promised to enhance transit reliability along the waterfront.

The project is the third such full-line shutdown of a major streetcar route for overhead upgrades, with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow saying that "as a city, we are investing over $200 million to expand the TTC's fleet of fully accessible low-floor streetcars."

"The work being done along Queens Quay and Fleet Street is integral to ensuring that the right infrastructure is in place to run these streetcars, and to deliver a safe and reliable TTC service for many years to come."

Upcoming work on Queens Quay comes as work continues on a related overhead power upgrade project that has caused absolute transit mayhem on Spadina Avenue this summer.

Toronto just agreed on a solution to nightmare gridlock traffic on Spadinahttps://t.co/mmceGgRbVd

— blogTO (@blogTO) July 26, 2024

TTC Chair Jamaal Myers acknowledged that "there will be some short-term adjustments for riders who use the Queens Quay streetcar," but says that "the modernization work is essential for ensuring a more reliable and efficient service."

However, this will not be nearly as painful as the Spadina streetcar project, according to outgoing TTC CEO Rick Leary. While Spadina replacement buses are unable to use that street's dedicated streetcar right-of-way and are forced to mingle with traffic, 509 replacement buses won't suffer the same limitations.

"Thanks to the configuration of the Queens Quay streetcar right-of-way, eastbound replacement buses on part of the route can operate there, maintaining more consistent travel times," said Leary.

The phased construction will begin on a stretch covering the Harbourfront tunnel to Spadina Avenue, lasting from September 3 into early October. Harbourfront replacement buses will operate the route from Union Station to Exhibition Place.

A second stage will begin in October, focusing on the stretch between Spadina and Bathurst. 509 streetcar service will be partially restored from Union Station to Spadina during this phase, while a modified 510 replacement bus will cover stops west of Spadina.

The third phase of construction, covering west of Bathurst along Fleet Street, will begin in November and conclude in 2025. During this phase, the 509 streetcar service will operate between Union and Spadina.