Across the centre of the city, Metrolinx and the TTC are bringing new rapid transit to Toronto. The Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown LRT is a 19-kilometre Light Rail Transit line stretching from Kennedy Subway Station in the east to the Mount Dennis community in the west. The line, which runs both below ground and at street level, features 21 stops to serve local needs while rapidly moving commuters to and from their destinations. With construction already underway and multiple community consultations completed, Metrolinx is targeting to complete the entire line by 2020. 

Crosstown train passing through a station, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Map of the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT Line, image courtesy of Metrolinx

The 13 underground stops between Laird and Mount Dennis will feature at least two street level entrances integrated with the surrounding community. With preliminary designs being finalized and multiple public consultations complete, station construction is expected to start in 2014.

Underground Bathurst LRT Station, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Underground passenger walkway with garden vista at Eglinton West/Allen Road Crosstown LRT Station, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Each underground station will have a centre median passenger platform with trains passing on both sides. Multiple entrances and exits will ensure the quick movement of people, while elevators and escalators at each stop allow for complete accessibility for all passengers.

Platform view at Caledonia Crosstown LRT Station, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Between Laird and Kennedy the LRT will run in a traffic-separated median along Eglinton Avenue. At each of the 7 above ground stops passengers will board from the outside of the tracks. New signalized passenger crosswalks will be installed where needed to ensure priority and safe passenger movement. The stops themselves are designed to be both inviting and functional with distinguishing markers and designs to assist riders and the public in reognizing they are on the Crosstown LRT.

Surface stop preliminary design, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Passenger platforms will be partially covered to guard against the elements. By illuminating these shelters at night, Metrolinx hopes to provide a comfortable safe experience for its passengers while serving as an identifying feature of the line.

Surface stop preliminary design at night, image courtesy of Metrolinx

While the line will primarily serve trips through Toronto, Metrolinx is ensuring that all forms of local and regional transit are integrated. Mobility Hubs at Mount Dennis, Yonge-Eglinton, and Kennedy Station will combine Bus, Subway, LRT and GO Transit with seamless connnections and intuitive station design.

Mount Dennis Mobility Hub preliminary design, image courtesy of Metrolinx

As Metrolinx continues to build out the region's transit network the Crosstown LRT will be a big piece of providing better transit for everyone. Stay tuned to Urban Toronto as we begin to bring more stories about this exciting project.

Interested in learning more about the Crosstown LRT or its stations? We have dataBase entries for the first six stations below, and will be adding new ones gradually. Choose any Projects & Construction Forum thread link to get in on the discussion, or leave a comment in the space provided on ths page.