Eglinton Crosstown LRT opening delayed again
Toronto’s Elginton Crosstown LRT line won’t some into service this year, after all.
Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster announced the news in a statement on the transit operator’s website last week.
“We had expected the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to be fully built, thoroughly tested, and in service this fall in accordance with our project agreement with Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the construction consortium responsible for building the project.
Unfortunately, while progress has been made, Crosslinx Transit Solutions have fallen behind schedule, are unable to finalize construction and testing, and therefore the system will not be operational on this timeline.
We know construction has been difficult for commuters, communities, and businesses along the Eglinton corridor. We are doing everything to hold Crosslinx Transit Solutions accountable and to redouble efforts to meet their commitments and complete the work quickly so we can welcome riders onto a complete, tested, and fully operational Eglinton Crosstown LRT as soon as possible.”
It's not clear when the new opening date is expected, or why the project has been delayed again. Indications are that it could be another year before the line is in service.
The 19-kilometre line is to run along Eglinton Avenue with 25 stops from Kennedy in the east to Mount Dennis in the west.
It has been under construction since 2011 and has had its opening date pushed back several times, including due to litigation that saw Crosslinx Transit Solutions successfully argue that it should be awarded costs and a new opening date, given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor John Tory released a statement saying the transit line needs to open as soon as possible.
"While this massive project, when it does open will be a huge step forward for transit in Toronto and while I do take heart from the evident progress on stations and from seeing vehicles actually being tested, the more than a decade of construction has been absolutely brutal for residents, businesses, and commuters along Eglinton Avenue right across our city," Tory said in the statement.
"I'll be reaching out to Metrolinx on behalf of the people of Toronto to share my frustration with these construction delays and to strongly urge them to do everything possible to finish this project and get the Crosstown open."