Eglinton Crosstown LRT takes major step forward

A big step forward for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT — the first piece of track has been installed.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca was joined by Mayor John Tory at the site on Wednesday to celebrate the milestone.

Del Duca said that while it’s not part of the actual 19 kilometre LRT, it’s still a very important piece of the $5.3-billion project.

“The turnout track that will be installed here will be part of the 8.5 kilometres of track system that will move the light rail vehicles through the facility from the maintenance to the storage areas,” he explained.

The line is set to open in four years with 25 stations and stops that will link bus routes, three subway stations, three GO Transit lines and the Union-Pearson Express.

The mayor said one of the most frequently asked questions he gets is “when will this project be completed?”

Even though it’s four years away from opening, Tory said he wants the public to know that this piece of track represents a major step forward.

“It’s often difficult for the public to see what’s going on. They know there’s construction because there has been some disruption of traffic above the ground, and they see reports from time to time when we have a chance to take the members of the media underground to see the tunnels and so on, but they don’t really have a feel for how progress is being made,” Tory said.

Metrolinx president and CEO John Jensen said he’s impressed with the work that’s been done on the line.

“Impressive progress is being made on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project every day,” Jensen said in a statement.

“Once complete in 2021, the Crosstown line will transform the transit system in Toronto and create needed connections to the GTHA regional network.”

The Eglinton Crosstown will connect Mount Dennis Station in the west with Kennedy Station in the east.

The project has been entirely funded by the province.