Metrolinx open houses are an opportunity to get project updates, to learn more about a specific topic of interest to you, and to ask general questions. An addendum to the original Eglinton Crosstown environmental assessment (2010) is needed to reflect the new underground and elevated route segments of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. As we temporarily shift to virtual open houses, find below a video version of this spring’s open house presentation.
You can also download the presentation PDF by clicking the yellow button.
Only comments and questions submitted until April 10 will be included in the EPR addendum.
Questions about this content? Submit them below the video, we will work to ensure questions are answered within 48 hours. Questions not related to this presentation? Contact us now or post your question on the Ask a Question forum.
NOTE: Conduct inconsistent with our policies will result in the removal of your submission.
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Why didn't you continue the borring machine to the city line?
AnonymousIt was sent to the scrap yard, with a bit of maintenance it could have been started up rather then buying a new one.
Answer
MetrolinxThe tunnel boring machines for the Eglinton Crosstown were purpose-built, meaning that once their journey was complete, they reached end-of-life and cannot be reused.
Traction Power Substations
AnonymousPlease provide details regarding the location of the Traction Power Substations (e.g. are they typically right at the proposed stations)?
Answer
MetrolinxWe understand that residents and businesses will want specific details about benefits and impacts to their properties and neighbourhoods. Traction power substation locations are generally evenly distributed along the alignment to provide electrical power to the overall system. We expect to have more detailed information to share in the coming months, including location of traction power substations, when we will have completed further design work.
Platform Arrangement
AnonymousIs the line going to be located directly underneath the roadway or offset from the road for the tunnel section? Side platforms and island platforms? The arrangement needs to ensure a direct elevator from the platform to the street is possible, without taking multiple elevators.
Answer
MetrolinxThe alignment and station locations put forward in the Initial Business Case considers a number of factors, including improving the customer experience, increasing access to transit, maximizing ridership, achieving travel time savings and creating better access to jobs. These criteria are balanced by cost and other community considerations. We expect to have more detailed information to share in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work. We will share updates and seek feedback throughout the development of the project.
Will the Black Creek to Kennedy line be finished first?
AnonymousAnswer
MetrolinxThe Eglinton Crosstown (Weston Road to Kennedy Station) is slated to be completed in late 2022.
Thanks for your questions
What is the actual completion date factoring in delays?
AnonymousAs you have experienced delays with the Black Creek to Kennedy line.
Answer
MetrolinxCurrently the targeted completion date is 2030-31
Thanks for your question
Renforth At-grade Section
AnonymousThe LRT is expected to have ATC in the grade-separated section. Any at-grade crossings between Martin Grove station and Renforth station will limit the number of trains that can run west of Martin Grove, to the Renforth transit hub which is an important node for airport employment and connections to Miway and GO buses. I would suggest the line turn at-grade west of Renforth Road and have 2 island platforms with a middle track for short-turns for Renforth station. Renforth station will also be where operation mode between driver and ATC is changed.
Answer
MetrolinxWe expect to have more detailed information to share for the station conceptual design and connectivity to the Mississauga Transitway in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work. Having a strong and high-quality connection to existing transit such as the Misssissauga Transitway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a key driver of the benefits of the project.
Safety on the at-grade section
AnonymousWill there be crossing gates and arms in the at-grade sections for safety purposes?
Answer
MetrolinxSafety is our number one priority and will be a primary consideration throughout the design process. The alignment is fully grade-separated from Mount Dennis to Renforth operating mainly underground, with a short transition to at-grade near Renforth Station. We expect to have more detailed information to share for the Renforth Station terminus conceptual design in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work.
ATC
AnonymousWill there be ATC west of Martin Grove where the line is at-grade and have level crossings? Can ATC sections have level crossings technically?
Answer
MetrolinxThe extension is intended to operate using an automatic train control system. We expect to have more detailed information to share in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work.
Why not above ground?
AnonymousPast Jane, Eglinton and the surrounding space is quite wide. Why not keep the it above ground down the middle of Eglinton the whole way to Renforth?
Answer
MetrolinxWe acknowledge that there have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years, and now we are moving forward with a solution. The 2019 budget announcement identified an alignment for the extension that would be mostly underground. There will be an underground connection to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Mt Dennis. The area between Scarlett Road and Jane Street is in an identified flood plain zone. Tunnelling would require building underneath three flood-prone waterways and present significant technical challenges to building and operating the line. Elevating the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension between Scarlett Road and Jane Street eliminates these challenges and will help to prevent potential service disruptions along the corridor during times of heavy rain and flooding.
Thanks for your question
Answer
MetrolinxThe alignment and station locations put forward in the Initial Business Case considers a number of factors, including improving the customer experience, increasing access to transit, maximizing ridership, achieving travel time savings and creating better access to jobs. These criteria are balanced by cost and other community considerations. We expect to have more detailed information to share in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work. We will share updates and seek feedback throughout the development of the project.
Why is there no stop at the East Mall?
AnonymousWith the planned construction of 882 residential units in a high rise development at the north east corner of The East Mall and Eglinton, I am wondering why Metrolinx is not reconsidering its decision to add a stop at The East Mall. At the time the decision was made to cut this stop, this development was not under consideration. Adding a stop here would reduce potential congestion along The East Mall and boost ridership alleviating pressure on the subway line and other surface routes.
Answer
MetrolinxThe alignment and station locations put forward in the Initial Business Case consider a number of factors, including improving the customer experience, increasing access to transit, maximizing ridership, achieving travel time savings and creating better access to jobs. These criteria are balanced by cost and other community considerations.
Currently, the Initial Business Case identifies seven proposed stations from Jane Street to Renforth Drive. Plans may evolve over the course of the project as further planning and design work is undertaken.
Please send me an artists rendering of the Martin Grove Station
AnonymousI live near Martin Grove and Eglinton. I would appreciate you send me any visual aids to help me understand what the station will look like when it is done. my email is [email protected]
I also have a concern that traffic at the intersection is already not good with long lines and almost gridlock at rush hours. Please consider options for opening new lanes to maintain throughput if there are going to be lane closures. There is plenty of room available because there are large setbacks.
Answer
MetrolinxThe Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is still in the early stages of the project, so we don’t have the exact location of stations yet.
We know that residents have concerns about the potential impacts of construction in their community. As we proceed through the planning and design process, we will be assessing and managing traffic impacts along the corridor in collaboration with our community partners. Metrolinx has a number of measures it can take to reduce and manage impacts to residents and communities, both during and after construction, which we will use whenever and wherever necessary.
Please clarify 'direct impact' on BNS and surrounding area.
AnonymousThe presentation indicates that the Bank of Nova Scotia building at 1151 Weston Road may potentially be directly impacted. What does that mean - demolished/removed/replaced?
Also, would any of the houses and/or businesses west of Weston Road (heading toward Jane Street) need to be expropriated?
Answer
MetrolinxWe understand that residents and businesses will want specific details about impacts to specific properties, and we will reach out individually to impacted property owners once we have a firm understanding of what’s needed. We expect to have more detailed information to share in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work.
Thanks for your question
Is funding in place for Eglinton West?
AnonymousAnswer
MetrolinxHi
The Government of Ontario has committed $4.7 billion toward the program as a whole and is seeking additional funding commitments from the federal government.
Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario will use a public-private partnership (P3) procurement model to ensure the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is delivered efficiently and cost-effectively.
Thanks for your question
Are there plans to connect condos with tunnel access to the LRT?
AnonymousLanterra Developments is planning a large condo community at 4000 Eglinton Avenue West (just east of Royal York Road). Are there any plans to build an underground tunnel and connect residents to and from the Royal York 'subway' stop? Similarly, would the existing condo at that specific intersection get access to an underground pathway to that station?
Answer
MetrolinxWe understand that residents and businesses will want specific details about benefits and impacts to their properties and neighbourhoods. We expect to have more detailed information to share in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work. Our guiding principle is to explore opportunities to work with developers to create even stronger transit connections within our communities. Thank you for your question and we will take your suggestions back to the team.
Plans for 1 Richview Road - Up in the Air?
AnonymousA zoning by-law amendment application for 1 Richview Road was filed a while ago with the City. The application proposed the construction of a 21-storey, 65 m high apartment building having 235 rental units. After reviewing the presentation slides, it appears that the elevated alignment just west of Scarlett Road will occupy the lands of the proposed apartment building. Is it safe to say that the zoning by-law amendment application for 1 Richview Road has now gone 'up in the air'?
Answer
MetrolinxThank you for your question. The precise alignment of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will evolve throughout the design and procurement process as teams work with municipal partners to gather more information on community impacts and a variety of other considerations, including proposed development plans in the community. You can stay tuned to project updates and sign up for our mailing list at Metrolinx.com/
Current detailed plans for the LRT passing through Mt. Dennis?
AnonymousThe very first proposal by the TTC had the LRT run at grade through the community of Mount Dennis. This was met with great opposition by residents, with over 500 signatures on a petition (sent to local politicians) to put the line completely underground. Even the local newspaper wrote an article titled "Residents lobby to bury LRT through Mount Dennis".
Answer
MetrolinxWe acknowledge that there have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years, and now we are moving forward with a solution. The 2019 budget announcement identified an alignment for the extension that would be mostly underground. There will be an underground connection to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Mt Dennis. The area between Scarlett Road and Jane Street is in an identified flood plain zone. Tunnelling would require building underneath three flood-prone waterways and present significant technical challenges to building and operating the line. Elevating the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension between Scarlett Road and Jane Street eliminates these challenges and will help to prevent potential service disruptions along the corridor during times of heavy rain and flooding.
Thanks for you question
Transit Integration at Renforth Station?
AnonymousHave any conceptual designs been prepared to show the integration between both the Mississauga Transitway and ECLRT West Extension? The presentation board says the terminal station at Renforth station (assumed to be at Renforth and Eglinton) will be at-grade - how will passengers transfer to the Mississauga Transitway's Renforth Station since they are separated by ~400m?
Answer
MetrolinxWe expect to have more detailed information to share for the station conceptual design and connectivity to the Mississauga Transitway in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work. Having a strong and high-quality connection to existing transit such as the Misssissauga Transitway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a key driver of the benefits of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project.
Thanks for you question
Line should be above ground.
AnonymousCost, delay and disruption is unnecessary for this extension unlike the close quarters of Eglinton east of Keele Street. Money would be better spent elsewhere.
Answer
MetrolinxExtending the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will make it easier for people in the GTA to get where they need to be each day, whether that’s work, home or anywhere in between.
We know that higher-order transit like this is transformative in so many ways. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will deliver significant benefits to the community in the form of better access to transit, shorter journeys across the city, better access to jobs, and less traffic on our roadways. It will support the creation of transit-oriented communities where people can live, work and play, contributing significantly to the housing supply across the GTA and creating a more vibrant economy.
Noise at elevated portion of track
AnonymousI live at Scarlett and Eglinton. The road/traffic noise is already quite high. Do you have any idea of how loud the new LRT trains will be? Is it similar to the existing subway or street car services in TO?
Answer
MetrolinxMetrolinx has a number of measures it can take to reduce and manage impacts to residents and communities, both during and after construction, which we will use whenever and wherever necessary. Potential noise and vibration mitigation measures are planned to be shared as part of our next round of public engagement activities scheduled Spring/Summer 2020
Will the elevated stations of Jane and Scarlett
darkcondor78Will the elevated stations of Jane and Scarlett will have entrances on both sides of street since the elevated guideway of the Eglinton crosstown lrt west extension will be on the north side of Eglinton?
Answer
MetrolinxThe alignment and station locations put forward in the Initial Business Case considers a number of factors, including improving the customer experience, increasing access to transit, maximizing ridership, achieving travel time savings and creating better access to jobs. These criteria are balanced by cost and other community considerations. We expect to have more detailed information to share in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work. We will share updates and seek feedback throughout the development of the project.
Why are you planning to run this line mostly sub-surface?
AnonymousThere is plenty of room along Eglinton West for surface rail, which is much, much more cost effective. The plan to create subsurface tunnels and stations is incredibly wasteful.
Additionally, the further EA requirements from changing your plan create delays, when we really need more transit ASAP.
Answer
MetrolinxWe acknowledge that there have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years, and now we are moving forward with a solution. The 2019 budget announcement identified an alignment for the extension that would be mostly underground. The alignment moving forward for further study in the Preliminary Design Business Case provides an optimal trade-off between the ease of local access and the speed of travelling, and outperforms all other options in offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor.
An addendum to the 2010 environmental assessment for the Eglinton Crosstown is currently underway to capture existing environmental conditions and changes to the alignment and station locations made since 2010. Results of these environmental studies will be shared as part of public engagement activities scheduled happening in Spring 2020.
Why are transit users being forced underground?
AnonymousTo save costs, this portion past Jane St should be at grade. Otherwise, transit users are being treated differently than surface transit users. Also, there are people with claustrophobic issues and this extension would be useless. Eglinton ave itself is wide enough to have surface rapid transit as you could use the protected right of way for the previous Richview Expressway. So, there is NO logical reason to built this line underground.
Answer
MetrolinxWe acknowledge that there have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years. The 2019 budget announcement identified an alignment for the extension that would be mostly underground. The alignment moving forward for further study balances the ease of local access and the speed of travelling, and outperforms other options in offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor.
station locations in relation to current road intersections
AnonymousWill the public have a real say in station locations at each road intersection? The locations of the cut and cover sites selected will have a real impact on how much the community suffers through construction for months or years. Planners should be compelled to examine/ publish multiple options and justify their choices. Open spaces available on the north or south side of Eglinton would suggest that stations can be constructed with limited disruption to road traffic. The current work on the Eglinton LRT through the city centre would seem to demonstrate a requirement to present lessons learned.
Answer
MetrolinxThe alignment and station locations put forward in the Initial Business Case considers a number of factors, including improving the customer experience, increasing access to transit, maximizing ridership, achieving travel time savings and creating better access to jobs. These criteria are balanced by cost and other community considerations.
We expect to have more detailed information to share in the coming months, when we will have completed further design work. You can stay tuned to project updates and sign up for our mailing list at Metrolinx.com/Eglinton West
How will this relieve Eglinton between Martingrove and Renforth?
AnonymousEglinton and Martin Grove is one of the most congested intersections and roadway portions in the city as it is adjacent to the Centennial business park. Majority of business commuters currently live outside the city and must drive in and won't be taken off the road by taking the subway extension. Rathburn and Dixon are quite far away for diverting, Eglinton at the 427 underpass constantly comes to a complete halt. Very happy to see that the system will be underground and will hopefully not further burden this roadway, however, it's unacceptable in its current state. Will there be widening or roadway optimization on Eglinton between Renforth and Martin Grove to mitigate the impact of the extension construction and reduce the gridlock? It can take over 45mins in traffic to travel this 3km(!) stretch of Eglinton.
Answer
MetrolinxWe know that residents have many questions about the future look and feel of the line as well as their neighbourhoods. As we proceed through the planning process, we will be assessing and managing traffic impacts along the corridor with our community partners.
We will share updates and seek feedback throughout the development of the project. You can stay tuned to project updates and sign up for our mailing list at Metrolinx.com/Eglinton West
Noise Level a Health Concern
AnonymousI live at 1 Richview Rd and my residence faces southeast closest to the LRT underground station. The noise and vibration of LRT cars stopping and starting so close is a health concern for me as a senior.
Answer
MetrolinxMetrolinx has a number of measures it can take to reduce and manage impacts to residents and communities, both during and after construction, which we will use whenever and wherever necessary. Potential noise and vibration mitigation measures are planned to be shared as part of our next round of public engagement activities scheduled Spring/Summer 2020
Thanks for your question
Saving land for building housing?
AnonymousOn the north side of Eglinton between Royal York and Martin Grove, how many living units are being built and will be built thanks to having the Crosstown run underground?
Answer
MetrolinxWe know that residents and businesses have many questions about the future look and feel of the extension, as well as the benefits and impacts to their neighbourhood. As we proceed through the design and procurement process, we’ll be able to gather and share more specific information, including details on community and environmental impacts, and potential opportunities for partnering with developers.
Martingrove Station
AnonymousWhat is the exact location of Martingrove station?
Answer
MetrolinxThe Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is still in the early stages of the project, so we don’t have the exact location of stations yet. For more information about the project and where we are current at please see check back to our site at a later date for more information.
Thanks for your question
Why not connect the line to Malton GO station?
AnonymousExtending the line less than 3km to Malton station would greatly improve travel to/from Pearson Airport coming northwest from Toronto and the line going to popular destinations such as the Toronto International Centre.
Answer
MetrolinxA representative alignment to the airport is included as part of the Initial Business Case, but more work and consultation with partners will need to be done to finalize specifics around the airport segment.
The airport segment included in the business case is consistent with past alignments that have been presented, but it is largely conceptual. Metrolinx is actively collaborating with the GTAA and municipal partners on the proposed alignment from Renforth Drive to the airport, which takes into account the GTAA’s plans for a Regional Transit Centre.
Reasons for at-grade between Renforth and Martingrove?
AnonymousWhat were the main reasons for selecting an at-grade alignment between Renforth and Martingrove Station?
Answer
MetrolinxA representative alignment to the airport is included as part of the Initial Business Case, but more work and consultation with partners will need to be done to finalize specifics around the airport segment.
The airport segment included in the business case is consistent with past alignments that have been presented, but it is largely conceptual. Metrolinx is actively collaborating with the GTAA and municipal partners on the proposed alignment from Renforth Drive to the airport, which takes into account the GTAA’s plans for a Regional Transit Centre.
Transit Supportive density
HeatherI am supportive of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension proposal.
Metrolinx should consider building the extension and stations above-grade to the extent possible.
How is Metrolinx engaging with the City of Toronto and the Province to ensure that development along the West extension from Mount Dennis to Renforth is transit-supportive and results in complete, sustainable communities?
Answer
MetrolinxWe acknowledge that there have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years. The 2019 budget announcement identified an alignment for the extension that would be mostly underground. The alignment moving forward for further study balances the ease of local access and the speed of travelling, and outperforms all other options in offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor. You can find more information in the Initial Business Case.
With regard to your question about transit-supportive development, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario have established a Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) team, using our combined expertise in transit delivery, land development and commercial transactions, to deliver TOC at new and existing transit stations on behalf of the Province. As we move forward, we will work closely with our municipal partners to integrate this type of development, which is designed to increase transit ridership and reduce traffic congestion, increase housing supply and jobs with access to transit, encourage complete communities, and allow the Province to maximize transit investment while reducing tax payer burden.
Connection to future Jane LRT
AnonymousWill the extension includes a potential direct connection or even interlining with the Jane LRT?
Answer
MetrolinxThanks for your question. The proposed alignment includes a station at Jane and Eglinton that will allow easy connections to existing and future transit on Jane Street.
Where will station exits be located for Royal York station?
AnonymousWill the trains run on the north side of Eglinton? And which corners of the intersection will the exits be located on?
Answer
MetrolinxThe Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is still in the early stages of the project, so we don’t have the exact location of stations yet. Tenders has been issued for a contractor and online public consultation is set to begin shortly. For more information about the project and where we are current at please see here
http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/eglinton-crosstown-west.aspx
Pearson Transit Hub
AnonymousIn the event the Pearson transit hub is canceled, you should also plan the LRT to go around terminals 1 and 3 to serve the airport, then extend it to Malton and expand the station for GO and Via commuters. Just as a back up plan in case the transit hub is canceled.
Answer
MetrolinxThank you for your suggestion. We’re committed to establishing connectivity to Toronto Pearson International Airport and actively collaborating with the GTAA and municipal partners to advance planning.
Hurontario and Eglinton West
AnonymousWill be the Hurontario and Eglinton West LRT lines connected? That would increase mobility a lot. The actual time to move from one side to the another is currently of almost an hour by public transportation, while by car is roughly only 10 minutes. Also, are there any plans for connecting Sheppard West and Sheppard-Yonge lines?
Answer
MetrolinxThe Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will provide new, convenient connections along a presently rapid transit-deprived corridor with a faster and more reliable service — making it easier for people and businesses along the corridor to connect, invest, and innovate.
Although the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will not intersect directly with the Hurontario LRT, you’ll be able to connect to both lines on GO and MiWay bus services via a planned connection to the Mississauga Transitway at Renforth Drive, in addition to the connections to UP Express and Kitchener Line GO train service at Mount Dennis and TTC bus services at transit stops in Toronto.
The TTC currently offers a number of bus routes for those looking to travel between Sheppard West and Sheppard Yonge stations. You can find out more about service and schedules for these routes on the TTC website.
Construction
AnonymousWhen can we see construction start on the extension? Can it be expedited?
Answer
MetrolinxWe recognize the need to deliver more transit quickly and safely, and we remain committed to doing so. Planning, design and construction work is continuing on all our projects to ensure we’re on track to deliver much-needed transit relief while creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for tunnelling was released in March and closed at the end of May. After discussions with the market and after advancing our own design/planning investigations, we determined that this work could begin to keep the project moving forward as fast as possible.
The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to identify project teams that have the required design and construction capability and experience, and the financial capacity to undertake projects of this size and complexity. At this time, we’re anticipating that we’ll break ground on the tunnel launch shaft by next spring or summer.
Comparison of Cut-and-Cover vs TBM excavation
AnonymousHas Metrolinx done a direct comparison of the costs and benefits of TBM construction versus cut-and-cover construction for the entire length of this line? If so, will this be made public?
TBM Tunnelling has proved extremely disruptive during the Crosstown project, its deeper station and access shafts take longer to excavate and construct. Construction forces/equipment have been on site for years. No part of Eglinton has been spared. While TBM has been claimed to be less intrusive than cut and cover, that simply has not been the case on Eglinton.
Cut and cover represents the opportunity to shorten project execution, and lower the impact on the surface street. It may be cheaper.
Before any further use of TBMs is considered, Metrolinx should justify its construction method in an objective and fact based manner.
Answer
MetrolinxMetrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario are working closely together to ensure we deliver this important project in the best possible way, both during construction and beyond. The experts on both teams will draw on their extensive experience in planning and building complex infrastructure projects under a public-private partnership (P3) procurement model to ensure the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is delivered efficiently and cost-effectively.
As noted in the recently-released Environmental Project Report (EPR) addendum, the underground alignment will be constructed using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) between stations and a cut-and-cover method at stations and portal locations.
Tunnelling is just one phase of the project, and separate contracts will be issued in the future for the rest of the work, which includes building the stations, fitting out the tunnel and installing and commissioning the systems to put the line in service.
Wouldn't elevating more of the extension reduce costs?
AnonymousThere appears to be a significant amount of space for an elevated alignment. A significant portion of the Ontario Line will be elevated to lower costs and result in faster completion. Many metro areas e.g. Vancouver, San Francisco Bay have and are building elevated rapid transit lines for those reasons.
Answer
MetrolinxBoth the Ontario Line and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension projects feature a mix of at-grade, elevated and underground elements. Decisions on alignments take into account a number of factors, including costs, integration with other transit, community impacts, deliverability and operations, and topography, which are unique to each project. The alignment option we are moving forward from the Initial Business Case provides an optimal trade-off between the ease of local access and the speed of travelling, and outperforms all other options examined in the business case in terms of offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor.