Toronto intersection known for perpetual construction could get more changes

A notorious Toronto intersection that was plagued by construction for years could see some major improvements to traffic flow and pedestrian congestion next year. 

A motion put forward by City Councillor Josh Matlow and seconded by Mike Colle calls for pedestrian improvements at Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue and the nearby Roehampton Avenue and Orchard View Boulevard intersection through the installation of a pedestrian priority phase, also known as a "pedestrian scramble." 

This type of traffic signal movement stops all vehicle movement and allows pedestrians to cross an intersection in any direction at the same time, including straight, right, left, or diagonally. 

It’s time for a scramble at Yonge and Eglinton. pic.twitter.com/eayJsUmpRo

— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) July 24, 2026

The City has already installed a pedestrian priority phase at four signalized intersections, including Yonge Street and Dundas Street, Yonge Street and Bloor Street, Rogers Road/Old Weston Road/Watts Avenue/Hillary Avenue, and Town Centre Court/Private Access (Service Canada Centre). 

"At both intersections, a pedestrian scramble would minimize pedestrian delay, accommodate the significant crossing demand associated with the TTC and LRT stations, reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and improve the overall pedestrian experience in the neighbourhood," the motion argues. 

"Coordinating the introduction of these scrambles with signal retiming at neighboring intersections ensures that improved pedestrian safety and convenience can be achieved while mitigating congestion concerns." 

From 2017 to 2023, Yonge and Eglinton was a constant construction site, as a connection was facilitated between Line 1 and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, followed by more periodic lane reductions for utility connections in 2024. 

With an average of 4,500 pedestrians per hour, the intersection is one of the busiest in Toronto, and, as the motion notes, congestion often extends beyond the crossing and into the surrounding neighbourhood. 

"This motion represents a rare win-win: an opportunity to improve pedestrian safety and convenience at two of Toronto's busiest pedestrian intersections without sacrificing commuter travel times." 

The motion asks city staff to proceed with a detailed design and operational analysis for a pedestrian-priority phase at Yonge and Eglinton to be implemented in 2027, with a report back on its effectiveness in the first quarter of 2028. 

The motion is set to be considered by City Council this week.