Long-awaited transit station in Toronto just officially started construction
A brand-new transit station just kicked off construction in Toronto, and this future interchange is primed to become a key cog in the regional transportation network.
Metrolinx announced last Friday that work has officially commenced at the site of the long-awaited Caledonia GO Station on Eglinton Ave. W., just west of Caledonia Rd.
Caledonia GO Station will introduce a new intermediate local stop on GO Transit's Barrie Line, midway between the line's southern terminus at Union Station and the 2017-opened Downsview Park GO.
Once complete, Caledonia will be the Barrie Line's 13th station and third stop within Toronto.
The fully-accessible station will provide direct connections between the forthcoming Eglinton Crosstown LRT, expected to finally open in the coming months as the TTC's Line 5. In addition, local bus routes will be accommodated for a total of three modes of transit serving the new station.
The station will also be equipped with 64 bicycle parking spaces for locals requiring bike storage for the final kilometres of their commutes.
Caledonia GO Station will feature a single heated platform equipped with canopies, heated shelters, digital signage with train arrival times, and even a snow-melting system to keep passengers comfortable during their commutes.
Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, says that "Caledonia GO Station will connect thousands of riders to fast, reliable transit, getting them where they need to go quickly and safely, while fuelling our economy for years to come."
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow hailed the upcoming stations as a means to "help more Torontonians get around our city and reduce traffic on our roads."
"Building more public transit infrastructure that is convenient, affordable and safe builds up our local economy and fosters better connections with surrounding cities," said Chow, adding that cooperation between the City and province is "making it easier to choose transit."
Though the future station will undoubtedly prove a win for locals, commenters were quick to troll the transit agency, taking shots at the still-incomplete Line 5 and Metrolinx's inability to get the project across the finish line.
"I'm excited for all these expansion and upgrades...in about 100 years or more," reads one reply.
Another asked, "how are we marketing the LRT that is still not running?"
One critique asked, "Anyway how about that Eglinton Crosstown. How about you finish one project first."
Still, other commenters defended Metrolinx, explaining that the LRT is now in its 30-day revenue testing phase, with the start of passenger service likely within the coming weeks or months.
"It is in it's [sic] final 30 day testing phase as of last week. If successful it will be open by the end of the year," read one reply.
Metrolinx
