Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction crews have officially kicked off the last phase of tunnelling on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, marking a major milestone for the project.
The nine-kilometre extension will add seven new stations to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, expanding transit access to over 37,500 people—each within a 10-minute walk of the line.
The latest phase involves excavating twin 500-metre tunnels under Eglinton Avenue West, stretching from Jane Street to the future Mount Dennis Station. Crews are using a sequential excavation method, progressing at a rate of one to two metres per day.
This final tunnelling segment follows the completion of work last June on the western underground section between Renforth Drive and Scarlett Road. From there, the LRT will rise onto a 1.5-kilometre elevated guideway, which is currently under construction.
Beyond improving transit access, the extension is a major economic driver. It’s expected to create more than 4,500 jobs, employing engineers, construction workers, crane operators, and heavy equipment specialists.
Mayor Olivia Chow praised the project, saying, “Better public transit means Torontonians can get to work, school and appointments faster. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will make life easier for residents of Etobicoke, York, and Midtown Toronto—thousands will benefit from faster commutes.”
Once complete, the line will link up with regional transit systems including UP Express, GO Transit, TTC, and MiWay. Riders will also benefit from Ontario’s “One Fare” program, which allows for free transfers between systems.
Together with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the extension will significantly cut travel times—saving commuters up to 24 minutes on trips between major hubs like Yonge and Eglinton and Square One.
This project is part of Ontario’s nearly $70 billion investment in public transit over the next 10 years, which includes the largest subway expansion in Canadian history: the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
When will the fucken Eglinton line open
Like everything Metrolinx, missing every single deadline.
I hope in the future that other infrastructure builds will be given priority and be put on the fast track. The Eglington Line has taken way too long. It still is not officially open as I compile this text. Future projects such as a tunnel under the 401 and a subway extention to Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton and Niagara Falls is needed.