I mean, Metrolinx never claimed a 2025 opening for the West extension. It was 2027 originally and was quickly changed to 2031 even before construction started. And seeing the progress, it looks like this date is definitely achievable. This is in stark contrast to the Crosstown where we still don't have an opening date.
The underground stations aren't mined. All stations have headwalls installed prior to TBM tunnelling through the location. Now it's a matter of digging down between the headwalls and building the stations.
The short tunnel section between Jane and Weston is going to be mined and that contract was just awarded, I believe.
The elevated and underground stations aren't that big either. 90m to accommodate 3-car trains. And there is tons of open space for them to use in this area of Eglinton west. Most of the stations (except Kipling) are under the greenspace just north of Eglinton avenue meaning even traffic won't be drastically affected.
Overall, the West extension is leaps and bounds better executed than the original Crosstown. Mostly because it's just a much simpler project, but I'd like to hope it's also because Metrolinx doesn't want another huge debacle like the Crosstown.