Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has completed major upgrades at Bloor GO/UP Station, including the installation of new rail infrastructure that will support future service increases on the Kitchener GO line.
The project includes 2.5 kilometres of new GO rail track, expanding the rail corridor to four tracks between Dupont Street and Lansdowne Avenue to accommodate future two-way, all-day GO service.
A new pedestrian tunnel and covered pedestrian pavilion connecting the station to Randolph Avenue opened July 31, improving access to the transit hub.
Other upgrades include a new park on Ernest Avenue, providing year-round access to a revitalized public space. A noise barrier, retaining wall and taller fence have also been installed west of the Bloor Street West pedestrian bridge to improve safety.
“Bloor Station is one of Toronto’s most connected transit hubs, bringing together access to GO Transit, UP Express and the TTC — all in one facility,” said Evan Solomon, the federal minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, speaking on behalf of Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson.
“These upgrades will make it easier for people across the region to get to work, school and home, strengthening the links that keep our city moving,” Solomon said.
The station improvements are part of Ontario’s $70-billion transit expansion program, which includes more than $15 billion to provide faster, more frequent GO Transit service across the network.
Several construction projects are underway along the Kitchener line, including additional track installation and bridge and station platform modifications to support future two-way, all-day service.
The province extended GO train service on the Kitchener line to Stratford July 6. Last year, it also reached an agreement in principle with CN Rail to acquire more than 20 kilometres of land in the Halton subdivision, paving the way for the introduction of weekend GO train service between Kitchener and Toronto.
Once construction is complete, travel time between Kitchener and Union Station is expected to be reduced to 98 minutes from 111 minutes.
