After almost two decades of discussions, planning, construction, and preparations, the long-awaited moment for Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) riders has arrived: the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is set to open to the public.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford seemingly confirmed the launch date of February 8th for the line following an unrelated news conference at Queen’s Park. Expressing relief about the impending opening, Ford acknowledged the challenges faced during the project’s completion.
Expressing his gratitude towards the City of Toronto and Metrolinx officials, Ford emphasized the collaborative efforts that have gone into the Eglinton Crosstown project.
Notably, despite the absence of an official opening date on the TTC’s Line 5 Eglinton information page, recent developments indicate that the launch is imminent.
This milestone comes shortly after the declaration of “substantial completion” by independent engineers, certifying that the 19-kilometre, 25-station line was constructed as planned. Following this certification, the TTC assumed full operational control, conducting rigorous assessments and tests to ensure readiness for the public launch.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT faced numerous obstacles throughout its development, including delays, technical issues, and setbacks. Originally proposed under former mayor David Miller’s Transit City initiative in 2007, the project commenced construction in 2011 under the previous provincial government.
Initially scheduled for completion in 2020, the project faced setbacks due to legal, construction, and testing challenges, compounded by delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues such as construction quality, software updates for the signalling system, and operational incidents further prolonged the project timeline.
The prolonged construction and associated road closures adversely affected local businesses, particularly in areas like Little Jamaica, prompting calls for financial assistance. While there have been demands for a public inquiry into the Eglinton Crosstown project, they have not been met by the current government.