Sewer Re-lining Works at Laird Station

Sewer re-lining is a process intended to increase the durability of the sewers.  At Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East, local sewers will be re-lined in the vicinity of the construction sites. 

The liner is a flexible membrane that is placed inside the sewers. Lining is designed to be generally non-disruptive and eliminates the need for excavation of the entire sewer section. The required activities take approximately three days for each sewer section. 

Preparatory works have been completed and the lining process began on September 8, 2017. Crews insert a liner into the sewer section from within the maintenance holes. Above ground pipes will be in place between maintenance holes to bypass pump around the sewer lines during the liner installation.   

Work Hours

• Work began September 8, 2017 and is expected to take approximately two (2) weeks..
• Work is permitted between the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM, 7 days a week. The contractor may not always work during the permitted hours, but may do so at its discretion.
• Overnight work is expected to allow crews to complete this work to accommodate the required continuous process of lining and curing. 

What to Expect

• Due to the nature of the work, an unpleasant chemical odour may be noticeable in the vicinity of the maintenance holes and, in some circumstances, in the home. It is not harmful and this can be limited by covering floor drains while the sewers are being re-lined.  
• Lining operations will temporarily seal the homeowner’s sanitary line to the main sewer. The process is designed to be generally non-disruptive and eliminates the need for excavation of the entire sewer section.
• There may be short durations during the work when local residents will be advised to refrain from water usage. To reduce impacts, water interruptions will occur overnight and notice will be provided 24 hours in advance to residents directly affected by the water interruption.
• Residents near the work site can expect to hear trucks, hydro-vaccing, pumps, and other construction equipment. 
• In very rare occasions, during the cleaning and preparation process, air pressure in the sewer can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks or floor drains.  While this is highly unlikely, you can prevent any instance of it occurring by taking the following precautions: 

1. Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use.
2. Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
3. If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly.
4. Wrap the cover of your basement floor drains with plastic (i.e. a freezer bag). Place something heavy over the floor drains to keep the plastic covered floor drain covers in place.

Traffic Impacts

• Lane reductions will be required to safely conduct this work.
• Temporary turn restrictions will be in place for works occurring at the Eglinton Avenue East and Laird Intersection.

Pedestrian Impacts

• A minimum of 1.5 m will be maintained for pedestrian walkways. 
• Existing pedestrian walkway closures at Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East remain in place.
• Temporary crosswalk closures will occur during works at the Eglinton Avenue East and Laird Intersection however at least three crossings will be maintained.