Letter to residents addressing traffic concerns in the Chaplin and Eglinton area.

Dear Neighbour:

The Eglinton Crosstown is a light rail transit (LRT) line that will run across Eglinton Avenue between Mount Dennis (Weston Road) and Kennedy Station. This 19-kilometre corridor will include a 10-kilometre underground portion, between Keele Street and Laird Drive. It will provide a rapid and reliable service that will be up to 60% faster than bus service today, when it is completed in 2020.

Work is well underway to build the headwalls for the future Chaplin Station and cross-passages for the future maintenance of the underground tunnel. Headwalls create the frame for future underground stations and are located at the east and west ends of the station location. They need to be installed in advance of the arrival of the tunnel boring machines.

On June 4, the full build-out of the work zone from approximately east of Spadina Road to Heddington Avenue along Eglinton Avenue came into effect. This has resulted in some confusion for motorists and a concern for safety by pedestrians. Metrolinx is aware of and understands these concerns. 

Much dialogue has been taking place over the last couple of weeks regarding the implementation of additional measures to improve safety at this intersection. Specifically, one important additional measure will be implemented today in order to address driver behaviour and respond to resident concerns. An additional left-turn prohibition northbound onto Gilgorm Road will be implemented. This prohibition will be in effect for cars travelling eastbound on Eglinton. As well, additional traffic cones will be put in place to reinforce that through traffic northbound onto Gilgorm from Chaplin is also prohibited. This will mean restrictions and some inconvenience for residents of Gilgorm, who have been part of the process to implement the changes.

As well, additional signage indicating “Access to Eastbound Eglinton Avenue Only” will be placed at three locations on Chaplin south of Eglinton.

Metrolinx will continue to work closely with the City of Toronto, local elected officials, and police to monitor the situation and we hope that these changes will continue to assist with improved safety at this intersection during these works. 

The Crosstown will transform Eglinton providing enhanced rapid transit. We know that during construction, motorists, pedestrians and transit users will be inconvenienced. We need and thank you for your patience and understanding.

For the most up-to-date project information, please contact us. 

Sincerely,