There are multiple developments happening across Toronto’s transit system right now, so here’s a breakdown of the projects and their major updates.
Ontario Line
Unlike its Eglinton LRT predecessor, the Ontario line appears to be running on track.
Metrolinx recently shared an update explaining the different stages of work taking place on the Queen Street East rail bridge, and how it plans to keep GO trains running while new tracks are set.
“Ontario Line trains will run along dedicated tracks in the existing rail corridor Metrolinx already owns, alongside GO and VIA trains,” the Metrolinx website says.
Leslieville and Riverside communities should prepare for major construction over the Queen Street East rail bridge as it is set to be reconfigured to accommodate the two additional sets of tracks needed to carry the Ontario line.
The track laying will happen in installments to allow the GO train to operate during construction.
“Part of the reconfiguration includes demolishing the existing rail bridge over Queen Street East and building a new one for GO trains,” according to Metrolinx.
Neighboring community amenities including Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, will not be impacted by the building work.
Development of the Pape and Cosburn stations and the tunnel at the north end of the line is also underway.
The Ontario line is planned for completion in 2031, and was estimated to cost upwards of $10.9 billion in the 2019 provincial budget, though updated reports say it could be as high as $19 billion.
According to Metrolinx, the project is part of a $28.5-billion subway expansion program, which includes the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, the Scarborough Subway Extension, and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
Finch West LRT
Work has been fully underway across all 11 kilometers of the Finch West LRT since 2019.
When open the line will boast 18 stops and accommodate quicker and more convenient travel across the north western pocket of Toronto.
The line will run along Finch Avenue West from Keele Street to Highway 27, then turn south towards Humber College north campus.
It will also serve connections to other TTC lines and Peel and York region transit.
Construction began in 2019 and has proceeded without noteworthy interruption, bar the COVID-19 pandemic, though it has caused significant congestion along Finch West.
As of today, the majority of the work is done, but safety and systems tests still need to be completed before the line can open.
An opening date has not been confirmed though it is slated for “the near future,” according to the city’s website.
The project has an estimated budget of $2.5 billion.
Hurontario Line (Hazel McCallion LRT)
The Ford government recently agreed to restore original plans for the Hazel McCallion LRT which included a loop in downtown Mississauga and an extension into Brampton.
The initial plans were scrapped in 2019 to cut costs, but were reinstated by the Ford government on Thursday after years of advocacy efforts from local leaders in Brampton and Mississauga respectively.
The Hazel McCallion Line will run along its own dedicated lane through the region’s busiest street and will operate with clean, electrically powered light rail vehicles, producing near zero emissions.
Once in service the line will connect to major transit systems including GO Transit (Milton and Lakeshore West lines), the Mississauga Transitway, Brampton Transit, ZUM and MiWay.
There is no set date for the completion of the line.
“Major construction began in spring 2020. As the project lead, Metrolinx continues to advise that substantial completion remains 2024 contractually,” according to The City of Mississauga’s website.
The project has an estimated budget of $ 4.6 billion.
Eglinton LRT
The Eglinton LRT has been under construction for over a decade, facing an infinite barrage of hiccups along the way.
However there are signs that the end is almost in sight for this highly anticipated transit line.
Earlier this month, years of diversions were cleared at the Yonge and Eglinton crosswalk, signaling that works were wrapping up at the major midtown intersection.
When complete the line will run 19 kilometres east to west, with more than 10 kilometres underground and 25 stations and stops along Eglinton Avenue.
It will also link to 54 bus routes as well as three TTC subway stations and GO lines.
“Construction of the ECLRT is underway and is expected to reach substantial completion in the near future. Once substantial construction is complete the ECLRT will undergo testing and final preparations before the line comes into service,” according to the City of Toronto website.
This first phase is scheduled to open in 2024, with an estimated cost of nearly $13 billion.
Scarborough subway extension (SSE)
The Scarborough subway extension will bring the TTC’s Line 2 subway service nearly eight kilometres further into Scarborough.
It will extend from Kennedy Station to Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road providing a direct connection between Scarborough and downtown.
The line will have three new stations, Lawrence Avenue and McCowan Road, Scarborough Centre and a terminal station at McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue and Transit connections to Line 2, Line 5 – Eglinton Crosstown LRT, GO train service and Durham Region Transit bus service.
“The extension will replace Line 3 (the Scarborough RT), helping to reduce travel times and improve access to jobs, schools and other key destinations throughout the city,” according to the Metrolinx website.
Construction of the SSE is currently underway, it is estimated by the TTC to be completed between 2029 and 2030, though there is no indication of an official date.
The project has an estimated budget of $3.56 billion
Yonge north subway extension
The Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) will extend the TTC’s Line 1 subway service approximately 8 kilometres from Finch Station into Richmond Hill.
The YNSE will add five stations to line 1 at Steeles, Bridge, High Tech, Clark, and Royal Orchard.
“The extension will connect to the Richmond Hill GO train and Highway 407 GO bus service, as well as local bus routes at every station. Metrolinx continues to undertake work to refine the scope of the YNSE,” according to the City of Toronto website.
It will include an approximately 6.3-kilometre tunnelled section and an above-ground section along the existing rail corridor in the north section of the route.
Construction is yet to commence on this project, tunneling permission requests were submitted on December 1st 2023.
The 2019 provincial budget estimates capital costs for the Yonge North Subway Extension to be $5.6 billion, according to Metrolinx.
