Major construction milestone supports thousands of jobs and expands regional transit connectivity
TORONTO — Construction of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension has reached a significant new phase, with major excavation now underway at four underground stations along the future light rail transit corridor. The development marks another milestone in Ontario’s broader transit expansion strategy, which aims to improve mobility across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), reduce congestion and support economic growth.
The province said construction activity along the extension is currently supporting approximately 4,600 workers annually. Once completed, the project is expected to provide faster transit connections between Toronto and Mississauga while linking residents to employment centres, housing and essential services.
“As the Greater Toronto Area continues to grow, our government is making historic investments in the largest public transit expansion in North America to support commuters, fight gridlock and protect workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will link transit riders in Etobicoke and Mississauga to transit options across the region, cutting travel times and connecting workers and families to good jobs, vital services and more.”
Excavation underway at four future stations
Crews have begun excavation work at stations located at Martin Grove Road, Kipling Avenue, Islington Avenue and Royal York Road. The work includes construction of station boxes, the large underground structures that form the primary framework of each station.
Provincial officials said the project remains a key component of Ontario’s plan to expand transit infrastructure while creating employment opportunities across the construction sector.
“We continue to make progress on our government’s plan to reduce gridlock and get Ontarians where they’re going quickly and safely,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “With shovels in the ground on four of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension stations, we’re helping thousands more Ontarians access employment opportunities and housing while creating jobs that drive economic growth.”
The 9.2-kilometre extension will continue the existing Eglinton Crosstown LRT farther west, creating a nearly 30-kilometre rapid transit corridor stretching across Scarborough, Midtown Toronto and Mississauga. According to provincial estimates, the extension could reduce travel times by as much as 24 minutes for passengers travelling between Yonge and Eglinton and Mississauga’s Square One area.
Project expected to improve access to jobs and housing
Federal and municipal officials also highlighted the project’s long-term economic and community benefits.
“This is about building stronger communities and making it easier for people to get where they need to go while creating good-paying jobs,” said the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State for Labour and Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “These new stations will connect Etobicoke residents and all Torontonians to work, housing and essential services for generations to come.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said expanded transit infrastructure remains critical to supporting affordability and reducing congestion in Canada’s largest city.
“The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will make it faster and easier for people to get to work, school and services,” said Chow. “As we continue building a more affordable city, expanding public transit is essential to reducing congestion and creating opportunities for residents. The City of Toronto looks forward to continuing to work with our provincial and federal partners to deliver the reliable transit network people need and deserve.”
Broader transit investment and future development plans
Ontario is investing nearly $70 billion in public transit projects, including the Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension, Yonge North Subway Extension and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. The province has also committed $236 billion through its broader capital infrastructure plan.
Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy said the transit project will help support future housing development.
“Today’s milestone for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension highlights the significant progress our government is making to expand transit infrastructure, reduce gridlock and increase access to jobs and housing. As part of our $236 billion capital plan to protect Ontario, we are planning a transit-oriented community at the future Martin Grove LRT station that would deliver enhanced public space and nearly 685 new homes, making it easier for residents and commuters to connect to transit in their community.”
Progress continues across the corridor
Construction progress has accelerated across several sections of the route. Metrolinx recently completed excavation of the first of two 500-metre tunnels connecting Pearen Park to Mount Dennis Station. Workers have also completed approximately 85 per cent of the piers required for the project’s 1.5-kilometre elevated guideway, while bridge deck construction continues.
“The start of excavation on these stations adds to a growing list of milestones for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension,” said Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “This extension will be a vital east-west connection across the City of Toronto, making it easier and more convenient for thousands of people to travel from Scarborough, through Midtown Toronto and into Mississauga.”
Once operational, the extension is expected to place approximately 37,500 residents and 23,600 jobs within walking distance of transit. Provincial estimates also suggest the project, combined with the existing Eglinton Crosstown LRT, could eliminate roughly 6.5 million car trips annually while improving connections with GO Transit, UP Express, TTC and MiWay services.
The Government of Canada is contributing approximately $1.87 billion toward construction of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, which will feature seven stations along Eglinton Avenue West and form a key component of the GTA’s future transportation network.