After a GFL garbage truck damaged overhead streetcar wires at the intersection of King Street West and Spadina Avenue on Tuesday, TTC officials said repairs are expected to last a week.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. during the morning rush hour commute.
A TTC spokesperson earlier told TorontoToday the garbage truck bin "hit the wires" and caused the damage. A Toronto Police Service spokesperson called the damage "extensive."
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the TTC said crews are working "around the clock" to repair the streetcar overhead power network.
Looks like the GFL truck just ran through King and Spadina with its bin up. That will be one hell of a bill.
— Paul Kulig (@paulkuligto.bsky.social) 17 December 2024 at 09:00
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The TTC said the streetcar network, including electrical supply wires and contact systems, are compromised. As a result, several streetcar routes in the area will continue to be rerouted until repairs are completed.
"The transit agency is diverting all available resources and will maintain a 24-hour operation until the repairs are complete and streetcar service is restored," the TTC said.
Engineers are working to repair salvageable wires, install and configure new wires and ensure breakers and other power systems are operational. Then, crews must test the system to ensure it functions safely.
At least six streetcar routes were detoured as a result of the downed wires on Tuesday.
The 504 King, 508 Lake Shore and 510 Spadina streetcars will continue to be diverted from their routes as crews work throughout the week. Buses will be available to supplement streetcar service where required.
A full road closure is in place on Spadina Avenue between Front and Adelaide streets, and on King Street between Charlotte and Brant streets.
Wheel Trans users in the affected area can request door-to-door service as needed, the TTC said.
Motorists have been asked to drive alternative routes.
