TORONTO — August 11, 2026 — Ontario has completed tunnelling for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, marking a major construction milestone for the 9.2-kilometre project that will eventually create a continuous rapid transit corridor stretching from Scarborough through Toronto to Mississauga.
The provincial government says construction along the extension is supporting about 4,600 jobs annually and is expected to connect nearly 70,000 commuters with employment and other destinations across the Greater Toronto Area.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in public transit to fight gridlock, shorten travel times and build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will make it faster and easier for thousands of commuters to get where they’re going each day, improve connectivity across the GTA and support thousands of good-paying jobs during construction.”
Twin Tunnels Completed Between Mount Dennis and Jane Street
Construction crews have finished excavating two 500-metre tunnels between Mount Dennis Station and Jane Street, completing the eastern underground portion of the extension.
The project’s longer western underground section stretches approximately 6.3 kilometres from Scarlett Road to Renforth Drive. Tunnelling on that section was completed in June 2024.
The eastern tunnels were constructed using sequential excavation, with crews progressing approximately one to two metres beneath Eglinton Avenue West each day.
“Completing both phases of tunnelling on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension on schedule – nearly seven kilometres of tunnels in total – is a clear sign of the progress and momentum happening on this project. Reaching this milestone brings us another step closer to delivering transit to thousands of people, making it easier and more convenient to travel from Scarborough, through midtown Toronto and into Mississauga,” said Michael Lindsay, President and CEO, Metrolinx.
Seven New Stations to Expand Regional Connections
The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will add seven stations to Line 5 Eglinton and provide connections with UP Express, GO Transit, TTC and MiWay services.
At Jane Street, trains will emerge from the eastern tunnels and travel along an elevated guideway to Scarlett Road before entering the western underground section.
Combined with the existing 19-kilometre Line 5 Eglinton, the extension will create nearly 30 kilometres of rapid transit along the Eglinton corridor, linking Scarborough, Midtown Toronto and Mississauga.
The province estimates passengers travelling between Yonge and Eglinton and Mississauga’s Square One could save as much as 24 minutes. The combined Line 5 corridor and western extension are also projected to eliminate approximately 6.5 million car trips annually.
“The completion of tunnelling on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is another important step toward building the connected transit network Toronto needs. This extension will make it easier for people to travel across the city, with better connections to jobs, schools and essential services. Better transit means shorter trips, less congestion and more affordable ways to get around. The City of Toronto looks forward to continuing to work with our provincial and federal partners to deliver this important project for Torontonians,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor, City of Toronto.
Transit Investment Tied to Housing and Economic Development
The project forms part of Ontario’s nearly $70-billion public transit investment program, which also includes the Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension and Yonge North Subway Extension.
The federal government is contributing approximately $1.87 billion toward construction of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.
Ontario is also planning a transit-oriented community at the future Martin Grove Station. The development is expected to include nearly 685 new homes and support approximately 30 jobs.
“The completion of tunnelling for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension marks another important milestone in delivering faster and more reliable transit across the GTA. As part of our government’s $236 billion capital plan to build and protect Ontario, we are planning a transit-oriented community (TOC) at the future Martin Grove Station along the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. This TOC will deliver nearly 685 new homes, support approximately 30 new jobs and make it easier for residents to connect to opportunities across the region,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure.
Project Moves Toward Next Stage of Construction
The tunnelling milestone shifts attention to the remaining construction needed to complete stations, guideways and other infrastructure along the western extension.
“CUTA congratulates the Government of Ontario on reaching yet another important milestone on the journey to connect the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Public transit is a strong engine of GDP growth, and we look forward to the Government’s continued investment and growth of the GTHA’s transit network,” said Marco D’Angelo, President and CEO, Canadian Urban Transit Association.
“The completion of tunnelling for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is a tremendous milestone that brings Toronto closer to a faster, more integrated transit network. TRACCS Transit and Rail and its members are delighted to celebrate the incredible progress we can achieve through collaboration, and we are proud to see this vital infrastructure take such a significant step forward for the community,” said Mark Salsberg, P.Eng, MBA, Chairperson, TRACCS Transit and Rail.
Once completed, the extension is expected to strengthen east-west transit connections across the GTA while giving commuters more direct access to regional rail and local transit networks.