FAQs

Metrolinx is the owner of the project. Metrolinx determined the scope of the project, including schedule and budget, as well as the project specific outputs required for the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Metrolinx also acquires lands needed for the project. Metrolinx continues to oversee design and construction works. 

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) manages the Province’s Alternative Financing and Procurement program which the station/stops constructor of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT was procured through. Additionally, they negotiated the project agreement that determines the role of each party. IO continues to oversee the implementation of the project agreement to provide quality control and oversight.

Crosslinx Transit Solutions is the constructor chosen to build and maintain the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. They are a consortium of global and local leaders in urban transportation infrastructure: ACS, Aecon, Ellis Don, and SNC Lavalin. They will design, construct, and finance the 25 stations and stops, the tracks and signals, and the maintenance and storage facility. They will also maintain the LRT system for 30 years.

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will be responsible the day-to-day operation of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT integrated as part of their transit system. Since the beginning of the project, Metrolinx and the TTC have worked in close collaboration to ensure the effectiveness of the project – and will continue to do so.

As of 2020, work is underway at all stations and stops along the alignment. Construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT stations has distinct phases, listed below. Learn more about the work happening at the station closest to you by visiting our Construction Updates page.

• Preparatory works
• Support of excavation (shoring)
• Utility relocations
• Road restoration
• Deep excavation
• Underground station construction
• Track work and systems installation
• Station structure construction
• Traction power system
• Signalling system
• Testing and commissioning

The first stage of constructing a station consists of installing supports (shoring) around the areas that will be excavated.

Generally, shoring consists of installing large steel beams (called soldier piles) vertically deep into the ground at regular intervals along the perimeter of the station and the station's entrance. In between each vertical steel beam, horizontal supports (called lagging walls) are put in to help carry the load. Further, braces and ties backs are fixed along the sides to provide additional support. Shoring will be followed by deep excavation (between 20 to 25 metres) at each site. In densely populated urban environments, caisson piles might also be used.

Metrolinx and its station contractor, Crosslinx Transit Solutions, ensure that areas around the construction sites comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). In areas along the corridor where there are specific accessibility needs, we work with community groups to ensure we’re considering every option.

We acknowledge that traffic delays and congestion, safety, and infiltration of residential streets are long standing concerns in neighbourhoods along Eglinton Avenue. As construction reaches long-term phases for station and stop construction, residents and commuters can expect that routes will be much busier.

Before a work zone is set up, traffic engineers from both Metrolinx and our constructor, Crosslinx Transit Solutions, work with City Transportation staff to review the work zone and determine the necessary traffic set up to ensure the site can be safely maneuvered by traffic and pedestrians.

The traffic engineers also discuss other potential traffic flow solutions like temporarily alleviating neighbourhood restrictions and changing traffic signals with local decision-makers, including elected officials, Toronto Police Services, and the City of Toronto.

These partners also keep on monitoring and making further adjustments in the vicinity of work zone if necessary.

If any illegal driving behaviours and activities on your streets are witnessed, please report to the local police department who has the jurisdiction for enforcement.

Pedestrian safety is of the utmost importance. During construction, there may be temporary detours and closures of sections of sidewalks to ensure that pedestrian routes are a safe distance from construction and easily usable for persons with accessibility needs.

Pedestrian walkways will remain open for as far as possible and directional signage will be in place to help pedestrian traffic flow when there is a closure or detour in effect. Where necessary, for efficient pedestrian flow and safety, temporary crossing lights will be set-up. A sidewalk width of 1.5 metres will be maintained, as per the standards outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

This project will result in the displacement of approximately 1.8 million cubic metres of surplus excavated material generated by tunnelling and cut-and-cover construction at the portals, tunnel and stations. This material will be hauled by truck to licensed disposal sites.

Active construction sites may disrupt an existing stable nesting ground for rodents. As their habitat changes, they look for somewhere else to live. 

Because rodents live in extensive underground networks with many entrances and exits, it is difficult to control their migration. 

If you or your neighbourhood is experiencing a rodent control concern, please visit the City of Toronto rodent control webpage for more information.

Metrolinx recognizes that its major infrastructure investments should also provide benefits for the communities in which it works, including employment, apprenticeship, and local supplier opportunities, where possible. 

This is an excellent example of partnership and collaboration with government, business, labour and community partners, specifically the Toronto Community Benefits Network, the United Way Toronto & York Region, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Crosslinx Transit Solutions. 

More information on the Community Benefits Program and Plans can be found on the Community Benefits page. 

Crosslinx Transit Solutions role is to design, build, finance and maintain the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit Project. 

As part of the Community Benefits commitments, its role is to provide prospects for historically disadvantaged communities and equity-seeking groups in the skilled trades, journeypersons, apprentices, Professional, Administrative and Technical positions, local business and social enterprise opportunities.

Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS) partners with local workforce agencies and informs them of employment opportunities and initiatives. 

Those workforce agency networks include the City of Toronto Employment and Social Services, Employment Ontario, Toronto Community Benefits Network member agencies and the Consortium of Agencies Serving Internationally-trained Persons.

If you are interested in a skilled trades opportunity (as an apprentice, or as a journeyperson) contact the union that represents the trade you would like to work with. All skilled trade workers on the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit Project are union members and are hired according to protocol.

If you are interested in a non-skilled trade opportunity, your role/position will not be unionized. 

There are two ways to be considered:

1.    Apply online at www.crosslinxtransit.ca and create a profile 

2.    Contact your local Employment Ontario agency or Toronto Employment & Social Services centre and ask them to connect you with Crosslinx

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT will bring fast, reliable and convenient transit service to passengers across Toronto. It will carry many more passengers and be up to 60 percent faster than the existing bus service on Eglinton Avenue.

In addition to moving people across the city more quickly, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will ease traffic and congestion by providing a reliable travel alternative.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project will create tens of thousands of jobs and provide lasting economic benefits for the entire region.

Yes. Metrolinx is committed to providing fully accessible transportation facilities. The Crosstown stations and vehicles will be in compliance with the City of Toronto’s Accessibility Design Guidelines, Ontario Accessible Built Environment Standard, Ontario Building Code, and Ontario Human Rights Code. All Crosstown vehicles will be accessible with low floors and stations will include a main entrance with elevators and escalators.

The section west of Mount Dennis was studied in the Crosstown Environmental Assessment; however, it is not part of the current Eglinton Crosstown LRT project and requires additional funding.  

Metrolinx, the City of Toronto and the TTC have undertaken a study of rapid transit options for the Eglinton West corridor to better understand people’s travel needs. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will run 9.2 kilometres from Mount Dennis LRT staion to Renforth Drive and will operate mainly underground. Learn more about the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension here.

When the Eglinton Crosstown is complete, passengers will be able to connect to the UP Express at Mount Dennis Station.

Construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT requires utilities along Eglinton Avenue to be safely relocated. Depending on site conditions, gas, hydro, water main and sewer, cable, fibre and telephone lines may need to be diverted away to ensure safe excavation. 

Metrolinx and our contractor, Crosslinx Transit Solutions, coordinate with utility contractors (including Enbridge Gas, Toronto Water, and Toronto Hydro) to complete necessary work and notify the affected neighbourhood.

General equipment used for utility relocation includes trucks and excavators. Some temporary lane reductions along Eglinton Avenue or the temporary closure of side streets may be required.

Light rail transit (LRT) provides fast, reliable and convenient service by carrying passengers in dedicated transit lanes separate from regular traffic. LRT is electrically powered, with near-zero emissions. See our LRT infographic to learn more.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT system is designed to meet the latest international reference standards for vibration control considering a range of sensitivities, including residences, office and commercial buildings, as well as special-purpose buildings such as concert halls, hospitals, and research and manufacturing facilities. 

The operations of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line will adhere to the by-laws for noise in the City of Toronto the same way that the TTC operations do.