Eglinton Crosstown LRT Expands with New Tunneling in Toronto

Tunneling Commences for Eglinton Crosstown LRT Expansion in Toronto. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Ontario officials launched tunneling for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT West Extension on Tuesday. Toronto eagerly awaits the overdue first phase opening this year.

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Crews began excavating twin 500-metre tunnels beneath Eglinton Avenue West from Jane Street. The provincial government proudly celebrated this milestone for the transit project.

This extension adds nine kilometres and seven stations to the transit network soon. However, the $186 million USD contract awarded in 2024 sparked debate over costs.

Despite controversy, officials predict 37,500 residents will access LRT stops within ten minutes. Moreover, construction efforts will create over 4,500 jobs across Toronto.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria emphasized reducing traffic and improving commutes for all. He tied the project to protecting Ontario’s economy against U.S. tariffs.

Sarkaria insisted that infrastructure investments safeguard workers and boost growth every day. Thus, the province pushes forward despite challenges from external pressures.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow praised the groundbreaking for benefiting Etobicoke residents. She highlighted that thousands will experience faster travel with this expansion.

Eglinton Crosstown LRT Boosts Connectivity

Interim Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay cheered the progress on this vital extension. He noted that Line 5 Eglinton will connect Mississauga to Scarborough efficiently.

The ambitious plan enhances Toronto’s transit system with better access for commuters. Yet, skepticism persists after years of delays under Premier Doug Ford.

Ford’s team, now six years in power, promised big transit upgrades for Ontario. Critics argue they deliver little, keeping commuters waiting for improvements.

Still, officials frame this step as essential for tackling gridlock in Toronto. And they remain confident the extension will transform daily travel soon.

Eglinton Crosstown LRT Faces Challenges

This phase follows a rocky history for the transit line, originally due in 2020. Now, with tunneling underway, Toronto anticipates stronger connectivity across regions.

The project’s costly tunnels rank among Canada’s priciest at $186 million USD today. Nevertheless, the government champions its impact on mobility and jobs.

For residents, this expansion offers hope after years of stalled transit plans. So, the city watches closely as crews advance this critical project.

Optimism mixes with caution as Ontario invests heavily in this transit milestone. Because of this, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT remains a hot topic locally.

Source: www.blogto.com

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