If you live, work, or play in South Riverdale, we have the best possible news to kick off the spring season: the massive construction project on Queen Street East is officially complete!
After months of navigating single-lane traffic, noisy heavy machinery, and frustrating transit detours, the City of Toronto and the TTC have wrapped up the major watermain and streetcar track replacements between Broadview Avenue and Davies Avenue. Even better? The project finished ahead of its original late-April schedule.
For locals—and especially for residents living in the heart of the action at Riverside Square—commuting is officially a breeze once again.
A Major Win for Riverside Square Residents
If you live at 665 Queen St E or in the Baseball Place condo towers, you had a front-row seat to the dust, noise, and traffic disruptions over the past few months. While replacing the 112-year-old watermains and aging track infrastructure was absolutely necessary, the daily reality of stepping out of your lobby into a construction zone was tough.
Now that the fencing is gone and the fresh pavement is down, the true convenience of living at RIVERSIDE SQAURE is back in full force. No more navigating around heavy machinery just to cross the street for your morning coffee, and no more dealing with the persistent hum of overnight track welding. The neighborhood is quiet, clean, and ready for patio season.
The Return of the 501 Queen Streetcar (Riverside)
Perhaps the most celebrated part of this reopening is the return of smooth, reliable public transit.
During the construction phase, commuting from South Riverdale into the downtown core required navigating a web of diverted TTC replacement buses via Broadview, Dundas, and Parliament. It added unnecessary time and stress to the daily commute.
With the brand-new tracks installed and tested, regular westbound transit service has finally resumed right outside your front door.
No More Detours: You can now catch your ride directly on Queen Street East without hiking up to Dundas or waiting for a diverted bus.
A Smoother Ride: The newly welded tracks mean a significantly smoother, quieter ride on the 501 Queen streetcar (Riverside) as it glides through the Broadview intersection.
Faster Commutes: The return of direct, dedicated streetcar/bus routing shaves precious minutes off your daily trip into the financial district or out to the east end.
Getting Ready for a Vibrant Spring
The timing of this completion couldn't be better. As the weather warms up, Riverside is known for its incredible walkability, vibrant patio culture, and bustling local storefronts.
With the road fully reopened and all lanes of traffic flowing freely, local businesses along Queen East are accessible once again. Whether you are strolling down to the Broadview Hotel for rooftop drinks, grabbing a pastry at your favorite local bakery, or just enjoying a sunny walk along the Don River, the neighborhood feels re-energized.
Looking to Make the Move to Riverside?
The completion of this infrastructure project is just another reason why South Riverdale is one of Toronto's most desirable places to live. With brand-new watermains, smooth streetcar tracks, and incredible condo communities like Riverside Square right on the transit line, the neighborhood's value continues to grow.
Are you thinking about buying, selling, or leasing in the area? Now that the construction dust has settled, it’s the perfect time to explore your options.
Contact our real estate team today to see the latest listings at 665 Queen St E, Baseball Place, and the surrounding South Riverdale community!