See new renderings of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension

Metrolinx releases new preliminary design renderings of the elevated section of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and looks for feedback on an important element of the project. Keep scrolling to take a look and get involved.

Metrolinx is bridging the gap along one of Toronto’s important transit connections.

While there’s been a lot of focus lately on the tunnels (and tunnel boring machines) for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, the elevated section is another part of the project that is starting to come into focus.

With the selection of qualified teams to design and build the elevated section well underway, starting today (Mar. 2), Metrolinx is looking for feedback from the community on design options and potential uses of the public spaces underneath the elevated section.

The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, a 9.2 km extension of the Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) project, will operate underground from Renforth Drive to just west of Scarlett Road, where it will then transition to a 1.5 km elevated section that runs east of Jane Street, before heading underground again and connecting to the future Mount Dennis Station.

Showing one of the options for the area around the portals – transparent panels showing a pattern, like Morse code, that has symbolic meaning, while still allowing people to view the trains entering and exiting the tunnels. (Metrolinx image)

The elevated section will run along the north side of Eglinton Avenue West and will be built as close as possible to the road and maintain easy access to Fergy Brown, Eglinton Flats, and Pearen parks.

A winter scene showing the guardrails of the elevated section, which will be kept low so that passengers on the train can take in the views, while also ensuring community safety. (Metrolinx image)

Community input

Members of the community can provide their input on the design principles for the elevated section of the line, as well as input on different aspects of the elevated section, like the space around the portals, guardrails and lighting. Click here to take the survey.

A nighttime view of the lighting approach for the elevated section, which focusses on the guardrail, creating a ribbon-like effect. (Metrolinx image)

There will also be additional ground-level lighting at points where pedestrians pass under the elevated section.

The survey also asks for feedback on different ideas for the area underneath the elevated section, such as:

Using the space to showcase public art
Creating open spaces around the stations for the public to use
A more typical boulevard with mowed grass
Areas for other low growth habitat/pollinators
A series of information plaques at points to showcase Indigenous historical significance, ecology, and geology of the Humber Valley

The survey is now open – to participate visit Metrolinx Engage. The survey will close on Mar. 31.

For the latest information on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, visit the project website and follow the project on Twitter @EglintonWestEXT.

Story by Kimberly Murphy, senior advisor, Metrolinx subway program