Metrolinx has provided an update on the Ontario Line, a significant subway project in Toronto, indicating a possible delay in its completion beyond 2031.
Potential Delay in Ontario Line Completion
Michael Lindsay, CEO of Metrolinx, confirmed that the completion of the Ontario Line may extend beyond the original target date. While the line is projected to open in the early 2030s, it was initially slated for a 2027 rollout when the project was announced in 2019. Lindsay emphasized that civil infrastructure work is still in the early phases, which influences the updated timeline.
Construction and Testing Phases
Once civil infrastructure is completed, the transit agency will shift focus to testing the new systems. This transitional phase is critical for ensuring the operational readiness of the new line.
Learning from Past Projects
Lindsay referenced lessons learned from prior transit projects, notably the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which faced substantial delays. The Eglinton Line opened six years late and marked 15 years since construction began. Additionally, the Finch West LRT encountered significant operational challenges shortly after its launch, mainly due to adverse weather affecting train performance.
Project Details and Infrastructure Requirements
- The Ontario Line will span over 15 kilometers.
- It will include 15 new stations.
- Anticipated daily ridership is nearly 400,000 trips.
The route will necessitate constructing three bridges over the Don River, adjacent to the Don Valley Parkway, a critical expressway in Toronto. Lindsay suggested that bridge construction might lead to necessary closures of the Don Valley Parkway, but further planning is underway to minimize traffic disruption.
Political Reactions and Concerns
Concerns have been raised regarding the province’s project management. Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser criticized the government’s effectiveness in executing transit projects. NDP Leader Marit Stiles expressed fears that the Ontario Line could become another expensive endeavor, calling for a public inquiry into Metrolinx’s practices.
Both opposition leaders stressed the importance of careful planning, referencing past traffic disruptions caused by construction activities on the Gardiner Expressway. They noted that previous closures required extensive financial investment to expedite project completion and avoid severe traffic issues.
Many residents in Toronto remain skeptical about Metrolinx’s ability to deliver this project on time and within budget, given the agency’s history of challenges with previous transit developments. The timeline for the Ontario Line remains uncertain, and further updates are anticipated as construction progresses.
