A computer rendering showing the elevated section of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension

Eglinton Crosstown West Extension

We know you have questions about the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, and we have answers. Below, you will find answers to the most asked-about topics for this important project.

If you have a question that isn't answered below, please reach out to us at EglintonWest@metrolinx.com so that a member of our team can help you.

Budget and timeline

The capital costs for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension were estimated at $4.7 billion in the 2019 provincial budget. Costs for the project will be refined throughout the procurement process.

Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario are moving the project forward under the Subway Program, which includes three other rapid transit expansions that will get the region moving — the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.

The provincial government has committed almost $17 billion toward the Subway Program, as a whole.

In 2021, the federal government announced a $10.4 billion funding commitment to Ontario’s four priority subway projects, including the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.

Procurement

Dividing the project into separate contracts is creating needed capacity in the market to ensure we can deliver all the necessary work as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Construction

Construction on the project started in July 2021.

Environment and community impacts

Yes, we have. Metrolinx first conducted an environmental assessment (EA) for a potential above-ground light rail transit line in this area in 2010 as part of the assessment for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

After the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension was announced in 2019, Metrolinx prepared another EA that addressed changes to the project design in this area, including the elevated guideway. Metrolinx asked for public feedback on the report, inviting Indigenous communities, approximately 14,150 neighbourhood residents and businesses, and other key stakeholders to provide comments.

After Metrolinx assessed and responded to comments, the EA was finalized in June 2020.

It is available through the Resources page.

Route and stations

The Humber River passes through the area around Eglinton Avenue West between Scarlett Road and Jane Street, and is an identified flood plain zone that has experienced historic levels of flooding with Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and more recently during the Toronto flood of 2013.

The higher risk of flooding around the Humber River poses unique challenges to building underground infrastructure in the area. Elevating the line here on a bridge, or “guideway,” is the best way to provide safe, reliable service for commuters. 

The potential for flooding would also have posed operational risks for underground stations and tunnels once the line is running and could impact the reliability of the service. In the event of a flood, major damage to the line would occur and extensive repairs would be needed.

Read more about the elevated guideway.

Potential airport segment

We remain committed to establishing a connection between the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and Pearson International Airport and we have been actively collaborating with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and municipal partners on making it a reality.

Operations

The province will own the line and be accountable for maintenance. The TTC will operate the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, similar to the arrangement for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.