Toronto's new elevated rail line is taking shape very fast
The TTC's Line 5 Eglinton may still be pretty much brand-new, but the LRT line's expansion is already in full swing, soon to extend the line another 9.2 kilometres west of its current terminus of Mount Dennis Station to Renforth Drive, just south of Pearson International Airport.
The new Eglinton Crosstown West Extension (ECWE) has been under construction for five years as of this month, but the project to lengthen the city's most controversial transit investment has been largely overshadowed by the media frenzy surrounding the delays and cost overruns of the initial phase.
But construction has been quietly racing along for the line, including the completion of the extension's six kilometres of tunnels in 2024, and current work advancing for the ECWE's 1.5-kilometre-long elevated guideway.
Metrolinx announced the completion of the first of 35 bridge spans for this elevated guideway back in May, and that guideway has since extended past its first intersection the following month.
Metrolinx explained that, in June, "crews crossed over the first intersection, passing over Emmett Avenue and continuing on towards Jane Street. Once built, the 1.5-kilometre guideway will run between Scarlett Road and Jane Street, connected to the tunnels on either side."
The guideway was devised as a unique solution to traverse the Humber River and its vast floodplain without the need for costly tunnelling below the water table.
Upon arriving at the east end of the guideway, trains will continue their path along the north side of Eglinton Avenue West east of Jane Street before heading back underground to connect with Mount Dennis Station.
Metrolinx
