Line 5 Eglinton

{{Short description|Light rail line under construction in Toronto, Ontario}}

{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2025}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox rail line

| color = {{rcr|Toronto Transit Commission|5}}

| name = Line 5 Eglinton

| logo = TTC - Line 5.svg

| logo_width = 35px

| logo_alt =

| image = Line 5 WB test train east of Sunnybrook Park.jpg

| image_width =

| image_alt =

| caption = Flexity Freedom test train west of {{stl|TTC|Don Valley}} (2024)

| type = Light rail

| system = Toronto subway

| status = Under construction

| locale = Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| start = {{plainlist|

  • {{stl|TTC|Mount Dennis}} (phase 1, western)
  • {{stl|TTC|Renforth}} (phase 2, western)

}}

| end = {{stl|TTC|Kennedy}} (eastern)

| stations = 32

| routes =

| daily_ridership =

| planopen = {{plainlist|

  • Central: {{abbr|TBA|To be announced}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-opening-june-ttc-1.7400691#:~:text=According%20to%20TTC%20Chair%20Jamaal,of%20the%20Eglinton%20Crosstown%20LRT.|title=Eglinton Crosstown will open no earlier than mid-2025, TTC chair says|publisher=CBC |access-date=December 5, 2024}}
  • West: {{Start date and age|2031}}{{cite web |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/projects-and-programs/eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/faqs |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension - FAQs |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=December 7, 2023}}

}}

| close =

| owner = Metrolinx

| operator = Toronto Transit Commission{{cite news |last=Consiglio |first=Alex |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/1266093--ttc-to-operate-city-s-new-lrt-lines |title=TTC to operate city's new LRT lines |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=October 3, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2012 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103024458/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/1266093--ttc-to-operate-city-s-new-lrt-lines |url-status=live}}

| character =

| depot = Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility

| stock = Flexity Freedom

| linelength = {{convert|28|km|abbr=on}}

| tracklength =

| tracks =

| gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}

| electrification = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/transitexpansionprojects/EglintonScarboroughCrosstownUpdate_Feb72012.pdf |title=Eglinton LRT 2012 update |publisher=Metrolinx |date=February 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213025406/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/projectsandprograms/transitexpansionprojects/EglintonScarboroughCrosstownUpdate_Feb72012.pdf |archive-date=February 13, 2013}}

| signalling = Alstom Cityflo 650 Communications-based train control

| speed = {{plainlist|

  • In tunnel: {{convert|80|km/h|abbr=on}}
  • On surface: {{convert|60|km/h|abbr=on}}

}}

| elevation =

| map = {{switcher

| {{Line 5 Eglinton|inline=yes}}

| Show route diagram map

| {{maplink-road|id=Q3239105|stroke-color=#{{rcr|TTC|5}}}}

| Show interactive map (phase 1)

|

File:Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown Route.svg.]]

| Show static map

}}

| map_state = collapsed

}}

Line 5 Eglinton, also known as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT or the Crosstown, is a light rail transit line that is under construction in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that will be part of the Toronto subway system. Owned by Metrolinx and operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), the line was conceived in 2007 during the administration of Toronto mayor David Miller as part of Transit City, a large-scale transit expansion plan that included several light rail lines proposed across the city. While the plan was later dropped by successive municipal governments, only the Eglinton Crosstown LRT received support and funding from the Government of Ontario under premier Kathleen Wynne.https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/40978/ontario-breaks-ground-on-laird-station-on-eglinton-crosstown-lrt

The line is being constructed in two phases. The first phase of the {{convert|19|km|adj=on}} line will include 25 stops along Eglinton Avenue, from Mount Dennis station mostly underground to Laird station, after which it will run predominantly at-grade within the street's median to Kennedy station, where it will connect underground with Line 2 Bloor–Danforth. Automatic train control will be used in the tunnelled sections. This first phase has an estimated cost of {{CAD|12.82{{nbsp}}billion|link=yes}}; the cost when the contract was awarded was pegged at $9.1{{nbsp}}billion, although the cost was originally estimated at $11{{nbsp}}billion. This phase is incomplete and has no scheduled opening date. A second phase, a {{Convert|9.2|km|adj=on}} westward extension from Mount Dennis, will run mostly underground or elevated to Renforth station, with seven new stations. The second phase is expected to cost $4.7{{nbsp}}billion and to be completed by 2031. Construction of the westward extension to Renforth station began in July 2021.{{Cite web |title=Next steps announced for Eglinton Crosstown West subway extension into Etobicoke, Mississauga |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7286235/eglinton-crosstown-west-extension-subway-etobicoke-mississauga/ |access-date=September 7, 2020 |website=Global News |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819234229/https://globalnews.ca/news/7286235/eglinton-crosstown-west-extension-subway-etobicoke-mississauga/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=April 11, 2022 |title=Tunnelling starts on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/04/11/tunnelling-starts-on-the-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412040648/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/04/11/tunnelling-starts-on-the-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/ |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |publisher=Metrolinx}}{{cite web |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/projects-and-programs/eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/faqs |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension - FAQs |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=December 7, 2023}}

Two future extensions were planned: an eastern extension to the University of Toronto Scarborough{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/presentations/EglintonCrosstownSlidesCombinedPresentationFINAL.pdf |title=Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown Update |publisher=Metrolinx |date=June 23, 2011 |access-date=July 28, 2011 |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105234642/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/presentations/EglintonCrosstownSlidesCombinedPresentationFINAL.pdf |url-status=dead}} and a northwestern extension towards Toronto Pearson International Airport.{{Cite web |title=Agenda Item History |url=http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2016.EX13.3 |access-date=September 7, 2020 |website=app.toronto.ca |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317014722/http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2016.EX13.3 |url-status=live}} In 2022, the city of Toronto converted the eastern extension into a city project and a separate line known as the Eglinton East LRT using light rail technology incompatible with the Line 5 technology.

Construction of the first phase of the line began in 2011 and was originally expected to be completed in 2020, but the opening date has been revised several times.{{cite web |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/faq |title=FAQs |work=Eglinton Crosstown: The Project |publisher=Metrolinx |quote=Q: What is the timeline for the project? A:The project will be complete in 2021 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |archive-date=February 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220104124/http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/faq |url-status=live}} Metrolinx expected the line to be substantially complete by September 2022 but then conceded it would not meet that date. After revising the opening date of the central section to 2023 and then, amid ongoing legal action against Crosslinx (the construction consortium), Metrolinx stated they believed there was no credible schedule to complete the project.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/11/24/metrolinx-agrees-to-new-date-to-complete-crosstown-lrt-says-credit-rating-agency.html |title=Metrolinx agrees to new date to complete Crosstown LRT, says credit rating agency |last=Spurr |first=Ben |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=November 24, 2021 |access-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125000129/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/11/24/metrolinx-agrees-to-new-date-to-complete-crosstown-lrt-says-credit-rating-agency.html |url-status=live}} While the central section was estimated to be 97 percent complete in September 2023, Metrolinx refused to provide an estimated completion date, although they did indicate they would provide notice three months before opening.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/metrolinx-refuses-to-say-when-long-delayed-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-might-open/article_e6dabfdf-1030-538f-98de-d8017c988cfe.html |title=Metrolinx refuses to say when long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT might open |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=September 27, 2023}} In early October 2024, Metrolinx stated that the line would not open in 2024. On December 4, 2024, Councillor Jamaal Myers, chairman of the TTC board, stated that the TTC did not expect Line 5 to open before June 1, 2025, at the earliest.

History

{{See also|Eglinton West line|Transit City}}

=Background=

The origins of Line 5 Eglinton can be traced to the 1985 Network 2011 plan conceived by the Metropolitan Toronto government as the TTC and Metro began to install the busway along Eglinton. It was to be completed by 2003. In 1986, a coalition of City of York and Etobicoke Metro councillors and the Regional Municipality of Peel persuaded Metro Council to include an Eglinton West line in a new Transit Network Plan. Work on the subway line began in 1994 and was halted following the election in 1995, which saw Mike Harris taking power and led to the cancellation of the Eglinton West line, with the existing tunnel quickly filled in.{{Cite web|url=https://www.toronto.com/news/timeline-a-brief-history-of-torontos-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-project/article_d256bb01-c3b1-538f-abe5-d5226b5b2296.html|title=TIMELINE: A brief history of Toronto's Eglinton Crosstown LRT project|access-date=April 29, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413164803/https://www.toronto.com/news/timeline-a-brief-history-of-torontos-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-project/article_d256bb01-c3b1-538f-abe5-d5226b5b2296.html|url-status=live}}

=Original concept=

Line 5 Eglinton was originally conceived as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, a partially underground light rail line, announced in 2007 by Toronto mayor David Miller and TTC chair Adam Giambrone. It was part of the Transit City plan, which included the implementation of six other light rail lines across Toronto. The original version of the line would have run from Pearson Airport along Silver Dart Drive to Convair Drive. The line would have then turned southwest to a bridge over Highway 401 to reach Commerce Boulevard on the other side, where it would run south to reach Eglinton Avenue and the east end of the Mississauga Transitway. The rest of the line would run east along Eglinton Avenue, including a portion along which the cancelled Eglinton West subway line would have been built. The line would then traverse the city, connecting with Line 1 Yonge–University, Line 2 Bloor–Danforth, and Line 3 Scarborough.

There were 43 stops planned for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, 13 of which would be underground.{{cite web |url=http://www3.ttc.ca/PDF/About_the_TTC/Transit_City/Eglinton_LRT_route_diagram1.pdf |title=Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit stops and stations |publisher=City of Toronto |date=November 2010 |access-date=July 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204062933/http://www.ttc.ca/PDF/About_the_TTC/Transit_City/Eglinton_LRT_route_diagram1.pdf | archive-date=February 4, 2021}} Surface stops would be spaced on average {{convert|500|m|yd}} apart and the underground stations would be {{convert|850|m|yd|abbr=on}} apart on average, as constructing numerous underground stops would be costly. The average speed would be {{Convert|28|km/h|mph}}, compared with the existing bus routes along Eglinton that have an average speed of {{Convert|16|to|18|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last=Spears |first=John |url=https://www.thestar.com/article/475187 |title=Distance between LRT stops criticized |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=August 9, 2008 |access-date=August 14, 2008 |archive-date=August 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812012645/http://www.thestar.com/article/475187 |url-status=live}} The line would terminate at Kennedy station to the east in Scarborough where it would meet Line 2 Bloor–Danforth, the proposed Scarborough Malvern LRT and GO Transit's Stouffville line. The expected cost was {{CAD|4.6{{nbsp}}billion|link=yes}}.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-transit-city-line-may-survive-1.1067851 |title=Eglinton Transit City line may survive |newspaper=CBC News |date=January 4, 2011 |access-date=April 24, 2011 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109050156/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/01/04/eglinton-lrt-metrolinx653.html |url-status=live}} As a result of provincial funding cuts, construction of the line was divided into two phases: phase one would end at Jane Street, and phase two would terminate as had been planned at the Toronto Pearson International Airport.{{cite web |url=https://www.toronto.com/news-story/51154-truncated-version-of-transit-city-does-not-satisfy-mayor/ |title=Truncated version of Transit City does not satisfy mayor |newspaper=East York Mirror |date=May 6, 2010 |access-date=May 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528131029/https://www.toronto.com/news-story/51154-truncated-version-of-transit-city-does-not-satisfy-mayor/ |archive-date=May 28, 2021}}

=Rob Ford–era redesigns=

Miller's successor, Rob Ford, announced the cancellation of Transit City on December 1, 2010, the day he took office.{{cite journal |last=D'Cruz |first=Andrew |url=http://www.torontolife.com/daily/informer/streetcar-named-disaster/2010/12/01/mayor-rob-ford-%E2%80%9Ctransit-city-is-over%E2%80%9D/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204123034/http://www.torontolife.com/daily/informer/streetcar-named-disaster/2010/12/01/mayor-rob-ford-%E2%80%9Ctransit-city-is-over%E2%80%9D/ |archive-date=December 4, 2010 |title=Mayor Rob Ford: "Transit City is over" |journal=Toronto Life |date=December 1, 2010 |access-date=August 4, 2014}} He proposed an alternative titled the "Eglinton–Scarborough Crosstown line", which put the {{convert|19|km|adj=on}} line along Eglinton Avenue completely underground. The line would have then followed the route of Line 3 Scarborough, thus forming a single line continuously from Black Creek Drive to {{stl|TTC|McCowan}}. The cost would almost double to $8.2{{nbsp}}billion and, compared to the original plan, 18 fewer stops were planned, including the elimination of the connection to Pearson Airport. Most of the additional cost would have come from putting 12 additional stations underground and for converting the Scarborough RT.

On February 8, 2012, in a special meeting, Toronto City Council, led by Karen Stintz, voted 25–18 to override Mayor Ford's modifications to the project. The vote reinstated the original proposal to only construct the portion between Laird Drive and Keele Street underground while the remainder of the line is built along the surface. On November 30, 2012, the environmental assessment was revised, such that the east tunnel portal location would be moved from east of Brentcliffe to east of Don Mills;{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2012 |title=Laird Drive to Don Valley Parkway: Environmental Project Report Addendum Online Consultation |url=http://thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/Online-Consultation-Laird-Don-Valley |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216050311/http://thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/Online-Consultation-Laird-Don-Valley |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |website=Eglington-Scarborough Crosstown}} however, this was reversed in May 2013 after receiving community feedback.{{cite news |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/05/12/metrolinx_puts_leslie_back_on_the_crosstown_map.html |title=Metrolinx puts Leslie back on the Crosstown map |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=May 12, 2013 |access-date=November 8, 2013 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109004841/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/05/12/metrolinx_puts_leslie_back_on_the_crosstown_map.html |url-status=live}} In January 2013, city councillors from Scarborough put forward an alternative plan to proceed with the construction of the Eglinton Avenue portion of the line as planned but to exclude the Scarborough RT. In July 2013, plans for an "Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown" line were abandoned, thereby reverting the entire line back to the plan that had been conceived under Transit City.{{cite news |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/05/06/scarborough_councilors_seek_subway_line_instead_of_lrt.html |title=Scarborough councillors seek subway line instead of LRT: A group of Toronto councillors wants to replace the planned LRT for Scarborough with a subway. But a subway would cost $500{{nbsp}}million more |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=May 6, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509024718/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/05/06/scarborough_councilors_seek_subway_line_instead_of_lrt.html |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |url-status=live |quote=An LRT would use the same route as the SRT. It would be {{convert|9.9|km}} versus {{convert|7.6|km}} of subway. The LRT would have seven stations, the subway, only three.}}{{cite news |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2013/01/17/ttc_report_threatens_to_reopen_scarborough_subway_debate.html |title=TTC report threatens to reopen Scarborough subway debate: One commissioner says it's proof Scarborough can have a new subway line under construction within the decade, but Metrolinx dismisses that |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=January 17, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926184147/http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2013/01/17/ttc_report_threatens_to_reopen_scarborough_subway_debate.html |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |quote=Glenn DeBaeremaeker (Ward 38, Scarborough Centre) said the latest TTC report gives him new confidence that there will be a subway underway in Scarborough within a decade.}}

=Location of tracks at Leslie Street=

The environmental assessment evaluated the line running in the middle of Eglinton Avenue through the valley at Leslie Street. However, in late 2012 and early 2013, there were proposals to locate the tracks elsewhere.

In 2012, Metrolinx discovered that there would be minimal cost differential between tunnelling under the West Don River at Leslie Street (the proposed location of the Sunnybrook Park stop) versus laying the track on the surface. Also, tunnelling through that section would have provided "significant improvements to construction staging, schedule and traffic impacts", according to Metrolinx.{{cite web |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2013/06/17/metrolinx-announces-design-changes-and-public-meetings-on-eglinton-lrt/ |title=Metrolinx Announces Design Changes and Public Meetings on Eglinton LRT (Update 8) |publisher=Steve Munro |first=Jamie |last=Robinson |via=email to Steve Munro |date=May 10, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2017 |quote=Metrolinx had identified some potential issues with the Brentcliffe Road launch site. ... We believed that our proposals would result in significant improvements to construction staging, schedule and traffic impacts. However, in discussions with the local community and with local community organizations it was clear that there was a strong preference for a stop at Leslie Street ...}}{{cite web |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2013/06/17/metrolinx-announces-design-changes-and-public-meetings-on-eglinton-lrt/ |title=Metrolinx Announces Design Changes and Public Meetings on Eglinton LRT (Update 8) |publisher=Steve Munro |first=Jamie |last=Robinson |via=email to Steve Munro |date=June 17, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2017 |quote=[One of the options recommended] included a continuation of the bored tunnel from the west to pass under the West Don River and portal east of the Don Valley Parkway. That option was selected because the cost differential with the at-grade options was minimal, provided that a station at Leslie Street was not required. If a Leslie Station would be required, then one of the at-grade south side options was the preferred option.}} Thus, in December 2012, Metrolinx proposed continuing the LRT tunnel from Laird station to Science Centre station and eliminating the planned Sunnybrook Park surface stop. It did not want to build an underground station at the Sunnybrook location as it would cost $80 to $100 million (as compared to about $3 million for a surface stop). Metrolinx considered the cost of an underground station to be unjustified given its low projected ridership (650 passengers at the busiest hour). Local residents objected to the elimination of their stop,{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/02/12/eglintoncrosstown_lrt_leasiders_fight_to_put_leslie_stop_back_on_the_map.html |title=Eglinton-Crosstown LRT: Leasiders fight to put Leslie stop back on the map |work=Toronto Star |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |date=February 12, 2013 |access-date=October 11, 2014 |quote=The stop is being eliminated as part of a change to the LRT construction plan. Disappointed condo-dwellers at Leslie and Eglinton and, nearby Leaside are vowing to fight the decision by Metrolinx.}} and by mid-2013, Metrolinx had relented and the surface stop was restored.{{cite web |url=http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/11/metrolinx-awards-contract-crosstown-lrt-east-tunnel-section |title=Metrolinx Awards Contract for Crosstown LRT East Tunnel Section |work=Urban Toronto |first=Jack |last=Landau |date=November 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903141813/http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/11/metrolinx-awards-contract-crosstown-lrt-east-tunnel-section |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |access-date=October 12, 2014 |url-status=live |quote=With the winning bid for the eastern tunnel section announced, additional specific details about the Crosstown are now beginning to emerge. A newly released rendering from Metrolinx gives us our first look at the configuration of the future transition from tunneled section to surface track bed between Brentcliffe and Leslie.}}

Members of the public asked Metrolinx why it was proposing a centre-of-road alignment instead of running the tracks on the south side of Eglinton Avenue through the valley at Leslie Street. The south-side alignment would have avoided going through the signaled intersection at Leslie Street. Metrolinx explained that the alternate alignment "was more expensive and [would have] required an EA amendment. Due to project implementation timelines the project is proceeding with the EA option". They also stated, "It is very difficult (if not impossible) to relocate the portal from the centre of Eglinton (as proposed in the current design) and shift it to the south side of the right-of-way and continue to use the existing bridge."{{cite web |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2013/06/17/metrolinx-announces-design-changes-and-public-meetings-on-eglinton-lrt/ |title=Metrolinx Announces Design Changes and Public Meetings on Eglinton LRT (Update 8) |publisher=Steve Munro |first=Jamie |last=Robinson |via=email to Steve Munro |date=June 17, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2017 |quote=[With a south-side alignment,] the LRT would have been in a completely separate right-of-way on a new bridge across the West Don River in order to maintain current vehicle capacity of Eglinton Avenue East (i.e., no conversion of travel lanes to LRT tracks). ... It is very difficult (if not impossible) to relocate the portal from the centre of Eglinton (as proposed in the current design) and shift it to the south side of the right-of-way and continue to use the existing bridge. The “viaduct” option that HMM reviewed, was suggested by the public and was presented during the recent consultations for the changes in the East, was more expensive and required an EA amendment. Due to project implementation timelines the project is proceeding with the EA option.}}

=Westward extension=

==Surface station plan (2007–2019)==

In a later phase, Metrolinx had planned for the Eglinton Crosstown to be extended westwards from Mount Dennis along Eglinton Avenue West to Toronto Pearson International Airport. However, during his successful campaign in the 2014 Toronto mayoral election, John Tory proposed SmartTrack, which would have included a heavy rail transit line established along this section of Eglinton Avenue. In 2016, the City of Toronto released a feasibility report that found this proposal would have significant capital costs ranging from $3.6{{nbsp}}billion to $7.7{{nbsp}}billion. In comparison, extending the Eglinton Crosstown as approved would cost $1.3{{nbsp}}billion. It was also found that a light rail transit line would attract higher ridership than a heavy rail line.

The City of Toronto's chief planner recommended the extension of the Eglinton Crosstown line (referred to as Crosstown West) to Pearson Airport in lieu of establishing SmartTrack on Eglinton Avenue, based upon negative community impacts, higher costs, and lower projected ridership associated with a heavy rail corridor. On January 19, 2016, Tory agreed with the analysis and supported Metrolinx's original plan of extending the Crosstown.{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |date=January 19, 2016 |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/01/19/smarttrack-still-on-track-despite-changing-plan-mayor-tory-says.html |title=SmartTrack still on track despite changing plan, Mayor Tory says |access-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916010726/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/01/19/smarttrack-still-on-track-despite-changing-plan-mayor-tory-says.html |url-status=live}} Tory included the Crosstown West as a light-rail component of his SmartTrack plan.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/toronto-city-council-shows-support-for-scarborough-subway-expansion/article30910103/ |title=Toronto City Council approves planning for raft of transit projects |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |last1=Moore |first1=Oliver |date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |archive-date=April 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404124448/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/toronto-city-council-shows-support-for-scarborough-subway-expansion/article30910103/ |url-status=live}}

In June 2016, the estimated completion date was 2023.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/06/26/mayor-john-torys-transit-priorities-face-financial-political-challenge-analysis.html |title=Mayor John Tory's transit priorities face financial, political challenge: analysis |newspaper=Toronto Star |first1=Ben |last1=Spurr |first2=Jennifer |last2=Pagliaro |date=June 26, 2016 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-date=June 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628142728/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/06/26/mayor-john-torys-transit-priorities-face-financial-political-challenge-analysis.html |url-status=live}} The estimated cost to build the Eglinton West LRT was $2.47{{nbsp}}billion of which the City of Toronto would contribute $1.18{{nbsp}}billion, the federal government would contribute $822.9{{nbsp}}million, and the City of Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) would be asked to contribute $470{{nbsp}}million for the portion of the line in Mississauga. Approvals for the financing were still to be secured as of November 2, 2016.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/11/02/mississauga-fumes-over-470-million-toronto-lrt-funding-assumption.html |title=Mississauga fumes over $470{{nbsp}}million Toronto LRT funding assumption |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=San |last=Grewal |date=November 2, 2016 |access-date=November 2, 2016 |archive-date=November 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104075349/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/11/02/mississauga-fumes-over-470-million-toronto-lrt-funding-assumption.html |url-status=live}}

Public meetings for the extension, renamed the Eglinton West LRT, began November 13, 2017.{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Andrew |title=Public Meetings for Eglinton West LRT to Begin November 13th |url=http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2017/11/public-meetings-eglinton-west-lrt-begin-november-13th |website=Urban Toronto |access-date=November 13, 2017 |date=November 7, 2017 |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114093044/http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2017/11/public-meetings-eglinton-west-lrt-begin-november-13th |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=About the Eglinton West LRT |url=http://www.eglintonwestlrt.ca/47-2/about/ |website=Eglinton West LRT |publisher=City of Toronto |access-date=November 13, 2017 |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114040716/http://www.eglintonwestlrt.ca/47-2/about/ |url-status=live}}

The 2010 Environmental Assessment for Transit City originally considered an entirely at-grade light rail line running west from Weston Road and Mount Dennis station. However, by October 2017, the city was considering grade separation using fly-overs and fly-unders at six intersections: Martin Grove Road, Kipling Avenue, Islington Avenue, Royal York Road, Scarlett Road, and Jane Street, with surface running between stations.{{cite web |url=http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2017/11/public-meetings-eglinton-west-lrt-begin-november-13th |title=Public Meetings for Eglinton West LRT to Begin November 13th |work=UrbanToronto |first=Andrew |last=Johnson |date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114093044/http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2017/11/public-meetings-eglinton-west-lrt-begin-november-13th |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.eglintonwestlrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Stage-One-Report.pdf |title=Eglinton West LRT: Stage One Report |publisher=Municipal government of Toronto |date=October 3, 2017 |access-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034728/http://www.eglintonwestlrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Stage-One-Report.pdf |url-status=live}}

On November 21, 2017, city staff recommended just 10 stops along Eglinton West between Mount Dennis station and Renforth station on the Mississauga Transitway. The most recent recommendation dropped the stops at Rangoon, East Mall, and Russell / Eden Valley.{{cite web |url=http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-109250.pdf |title=Attachment 2 Eglinton West LRT Extension Technical & Planning Update |publisher=City of Toronto |pages=2 |date=October 3, 2017 |access-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081319/https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2017/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-109250.pdf |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2017/11/21/city-staff-recommend-moving-ahead-on-smarttrack-stations-despite-financing-uncertainty.html |title=City staff recommend moving ahead on SmartTrack stations despite financing uncertainty |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=November 21, 2017 |access-date=November 22, 2017 |quote=A report from city staff released Tuesday ... recommends a 10-stop LRT along Eglinton Ave. West. |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122054216/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2017/11/21/city-staff-recommend-moving-ahead-on-smarttrack-stations-despite-financing-uncertainty.html |url-status=live}}

At a city executive committee meeting on November 28, 2017, city staff recommended building the extension without any grade separation. City staff had concluded that a fully at-grade extension would provide better access for transit users and have fewer environmental impacts. Grade separation would have little improvement on traffic because the at-grade option would use signal coordination; however, grade separation would require fewer restrictions on left turns. There would be no difference in development potential with either option. However, because of feedback from the public and local politicians, Mayor John Tory recommended more study on grade separation.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2017/11/28/tory-backs-second-look-at-tunnelled-eglinton-west-lrt.html |title=Tory backs second look at tunnelled Eglinton West LRT |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=November 28, 2017 |access-date=November 29, 2017 |archive-date=November 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129101643/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2017/11/28/tory-backs-second-look-at-tunnelled-eglinton-west-lrt.html |url-status=live}} A fully at-grade extension was estimated to cost $1.5 to $2.1{{nbsp}}billion. Grade separation would add an extra $881.9{{nbsp}}million to $1.32{{nbsp}}billion to that cost.

==Grade-separated station plan (2019–present)==

In April 2019, the brother of Rob Ford, Ontario premier Doug Ford, announced a plan for transit in the Greater Toronto Area. This included the planned extension of Line 5 Eglinton west to Pearson Airport with a section of the line built underground from Royal York to Martin Grove.{{cite news |title=What you need to know about Doug Ford's contentious plan for transit in the GTA |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-toronto-transit-plan-1.5091916 |access-date=December 21, 2019 |work=CBC News |date=April 10, 2019 |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231172534/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-toronto-transit-plan-1.5091916 |url-status=live}} In February 2020, Metrolinx released an initial business case analysis of the project with four options, including three which were below-grade.{{cite web |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Initial Business Case |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/projectevaluation/benefitscases/2020-02-28_ECWE_IBC.PDF |website=metrolinx.com |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=February 2020 |archive-date=March 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312025430/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/projectevaluation/benefitscases/2020-02-28_ECWE_IBC.PDF |url-status=live}} Metrolinx ultimately decided on a mostly grade-separated line with seven stations (four underground, two elevated, one at ground level).{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/eglinton-crosstown-west.aspx |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-date=March 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310090152/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/eglinton-crosstown-west.aspx |url-status=live}}

File:Teepee and protest by Indigenous peoples against the decision by Metrolinx to run the Eglinton Crosstown aboveground near Jane Street.jpg and protest by a coalition of Indigenous peoples against the decision by Metrolinx to run Line 5 Eglinton aboveground near Jane Street]]The decision to run trains above ground near the proposed station at Jane Street led to protests from late 2022 and the erection of a tipi and other temporary structures by local First Nations groups from early February 2023.{{cite web |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2023/01/07/protestors-say-elevated-lrt-will-destroy-valuable-forest-and-parkland/ |title=Protestors say elevated LRT will destroy valuable forest and parkland |date=January 7, 2023 |work=CityNews |access-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220204202/https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2023/01/07/protestors-say-elevated-lrt-will-destroy-valuable-forest-and-parkland/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-indigenous-coalition-protest-1.6706945 |title=Group wants Metrolinx, Ford government to bury an elevated track that's set to run through local green space |work=CBC News |date=January 7, 2023 |access-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220204201/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-indigenous-coalition-protest-1.6706945 |url-status=live}} As of that month, the coalition was asking Metrolinx to pause development until a resolution was found. The group also requested more "transparency about the project{{Snd}}its costs, its size, and its impact".{{cite web |url=https://www.stopthetrainsinourparks.ca/about-stop-what-we-want |title=About Stop / What We Want |date=February 2023 |access-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220205729/https://www.stopthetrainsinourparks.ca/about-stop-what-we-want |url-status=live}}

Building a mostly grade-separated extension is expected to cost $4.7{{nbsp}}billion and would have 7 stations and an estimated 37,000 daily boardings. For comparison, a surface line would have cost $2.9{{nbsp}}billion and have had 10 ground-level stations and an estimated 42,500 daily boardings. Travel time savings on an underground line would have been double that for a surface line and such a line would have been fully weatherproof, but the reduction in stations was projected to have led to a lower estimated ridership, though local bus service would have been retained given the increased spacing between stations.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/09/20/burying-the-eglinton-west-lrt-will-cost-an-extra-18-billion-and-may-serve-fewer-local-riders-so-why-do-it.html |title=Burying the Eglinton West LRT will cost an extra $1.8{{nbsp}}billion and may serve fewer local riders. So why do it? |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=September 20, 2020 |access-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924211348/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/09/20/burying-the-eglinton-west-lrt-will-cost-an-extra-18-billion-and-may-serve-fewer-local-riders-so-why-do-it.html |url-status=live}} During the 2018 Ontario general election, Liberal and Progressive Conservative candidates for Etobicoke Centre, Yvan Baker and Kinga Surma respectively, supported the underground option.{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=Yvan Baker supports tunneling |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pv9jbD0VK4 |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=Youtube |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824185833/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=5pv9jbD0VK4&skip_registered_account_check=true&noapp=1 |url-status=live}} Of the three major parties, only Ontario NDP candidate Erica Kelly supported the surface option. Doug Ford, campaigning to become the premier of Ontario, preferred underground construction.{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Oliver |date=February 28, 2020 |title=Costs of major transit projects will far exceed their benefits, according to Metrolinx reports |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-costs-of-major-transit-projects-will-far-exceed-their-benefits/ |access-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302104530/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-costs-of-major-transit-projects-will-far-exceed-their-benefits/ |url-status=live}}

Construction and implementation

=Central section=

==Crosslinx==

Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS), a consortium of more than 26 companies, was awarded the contract to design, build and finance the Eglinton Crosstown line and to maintain it for 30 years. The contract, which excludes boring the tunnels, is for completing all other remaining work, including the stations and the finishing work within the tunnels. Some of the members of the consortium are SNC-Lavalin, Aecon, EllisDon, ACS Infrastructure Canada, Dragados, IBI Group and Scotiabank. The contract defines a public–private partnership.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/11/03/91b-crosstown-lrt-mega-contract-comes-in-under-estimates.html |title=$9.1B Crosstown LRT mega-contract comes in under estimates |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |date=November 3, 2015 |access-date=November 3, 2015 |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105044549/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/11/03/91b-crosstown-lrt-mega-contract-comes-in-under-estimates.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/ontario-government-shaves-2-billion-off-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-price-tag/article27085427/ |title=Ontario government shaves $2-billion off Eglinton Crosstown LRT price tag |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |first=Oliver |last=Moore |date=November 3, 2015 |access-date=November 3, 2015 |archive-date=November 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104123132/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/ontario-government-shaves-2-billion-off-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-price-tag/article27085427/ |url-status=live}}

The 30-year contract to build and maintain the line will total $9.1{{nbsp}}billion. Capital costs will be $5.3{{nbsp}}billion, with each of the 15 underground stations costing $80–$100{{nbsp}}million to build and the ten street-level stops $3–$5{{nbsp}}million each. The remainder will be for financing, lifecycle and maintenance costs.

In July 2015, the Crosslinx Transit Solutions Maintenance General Partnership consortium awarded Bombardier Transportation a 30-year contract to maintain Line 5's light-rail vehicles. The contract was worth $403{{Nbsp}}million.{{cite web |url=https://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/manufacturing/bombardier-wins-403m-eglinton-crosstown-maintenance-contract-151894/ |title=Bombardier wins $403M Eglinton Crosstown maintenance contract |publisher=Canadian Manufacturing |date=July 27, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921005142/https://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/manufacturing/bombardier-wins-403m-eglinton-crosstown-maintenance-contract-151894/ |archive-date=September 21, 2020}} Bombardier will also maintain wayside systems (track and overhead catenary) for Line 5.{{cite press release |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/12/23/2149922/0/en/Bombardier-awarded-30-year-services-contract-for-Toronto-s-Finch-West-Light-Rail-Transit-project.html |title=Bombardier awarded 30-year services contract for Toronto's Finch West Light Rail Transit project |work=GlobeNewswire |date=December 23, 2020 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227032437/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/12/23/2149922/0/en/Bombardier-awarded-30-year-services-contract-for-Toronto-s-Finch-West-Light-Rail-Transit-project.html |archive-date=December 27, 2020}}

==Timeline==

2010

On July 28, 2010, Metrolinx ordered four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) from Caterpillar at a cost of $54{{nbsp}}million.{{cite news |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/841424--metrolinx-orders-tunneling-machines |title=Metrolinx orders tunneling machines |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=July 28, 2010 |access-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-date=December 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226043051/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/841424--metrolinx-orders-tunneling-machines |url-status=live}} Each TBM is {{convert|10|m}} long, {{convert|6.5|m}} in diameter and weighs {{convert|400|t}}. They bore {{convert|10|m}} per day, {{convert|16|to|20|m}} below the surface. The TBMs were named Dennis, Lea, Humber, and Don. The names were chosen by Jason Paris, a moderator of the UrbanToronto blog and web forums. Dennis is named after Mount Dennis, Lea is named after Leaside, Humber is named after the Humber River, and Don is named after the Don River. The names Dennis and Lea combined allude to the Canadian poet Dennis Lee, best known for the children's illustrated poetry book Alligator Pie. When boring work was completed, enough dirt had been removed to fill the Scotiabank Arena to the height of the CN Tower.

2011

In August 2011, preparation for construction of a launch shaft for tunnel boring machines at Black Creek Drive began,{{cite web | url=http://thecrosstown.ca/fr/node/262 | title=Crosstown Community Update | Crosstown | access-date=April 4, 2023 | archive-date=April 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404014608/http://thecrosstown.ca/fr/node/262 | url-status=live}} while in October of that year, the first part of tunnel construction started.{{cite web |url=https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/light-rail/eglinton-crosstown-under-way-underground/ |title=Eglinton Crosstown under way, underground |work=Railway Age |first=John |last=Thompson |date=March 8, 2016 |access-date=March 5, 2020 |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201205835/https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/light-rail/eglinton-crosstown-under-way-underground/ |url-status=live}}

On November 9, 2011, in Keelesdale Park, Mayor Rob Ford and Premier Dalton McGuinty officially broke ground on the new project.{{cite news |last=Alcoba |first=Natalie |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/11/09/ford-mcguinty-get-up-close-look-at-eglinton-lrt-construction/ |title=Ford, McGuinty get up-close look at Eglinton LRT construction |newspaper=National Post |date=November 9, 2011 |access-date=August 4, 2014}}

2012

In May 2012, TTC staff released a report saying that completion of the Eglinton Crosstown was unlikely by 2020 and that a more realistic in-service date would be 2022–2023. The main reason given was that the project management had been transferred from the TTC to Infrastructure Ontario, which uses the Alternative Finance and Procurement strategy. That strategy would use a private contractor to complete the project, effectively requiring that contractor to redo all design work already completed by the TTC.{{cite news |last=Chu |first=Showwei |title=Eglinton LRT unlikely to meet 2020 completion date: TTC report |url=http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/207847--eglinton-lrt-unlikely-to-meet-2020-completion-date-ttc-report |newspaper=Citytv News |date=May 29, 2012 |location=Toronto |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119143535/http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/207847--eglinton-lrt-unlikely-to-meet-2020-completion-date-ttc-report |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |access-date=June 25, 2012}} The TTC also warned that Metrolinx's aggressive timeline would lead to severe construction-related disruptions to communities and traffic because large stretches of the Eglinton Avenue would have to be torn up concurrently to meet deadlines.

2013

In January 2013, Infrastructure Ontario issued a request for qualifications to shortlist companies to construct the line. A request for proposal was expected in mid-2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.infrastructureontario.ca/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147489840 |title=Request for Qualifications Issued for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Scarborough LRT Lines |publisher=Infrastructure Ontario |date=January 22, 2013 |access-date=March 10, 2013 |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005015642/http://www.infrastructureontario.ca/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147489840 |url-status=dead}}

On February 22, 2013, TBMs Dennis and Lea arrived in Keelesdale Park.{{cite news |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2013/02/22/eglinton_crosstown_lrt_tunneling_a_step_closer.html |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT tunneling a step closer |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=February 22, 2013 |access-date=August 4, 2014 |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105232505/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2013/02/22/eglinton_crosstown_lrt_tunneling_a_step_closer.html |url-status=live}}

In June 2013, the TBMs Dennis and Lea began tunnelling on the line. Traffic on Eglinton Avenue near Keele Street was reduced to one lane in each direction.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/machines-begin-tunnelling-for-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-1.1368317 |title=Machines begin tunnelling for Eglinton Crosstown LRT |newspaper=CBC News |date=June 5, 2013 |access-date=July 5, 2013 |archive-date=July 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719223007/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2013/06/05/toronto-eglinton-tunnel-construction.html |url-status=live}}

On November 12, 2013, Metrolinx awarded a contract to a joint venture between Aecon Group and ACS Dragados Canada to construct the tunnel for the eastern portion of the line between Yonge Street and Laird Drive.

2014

In March 2014, work began to clear utilities and trees on the south side of Eglinton Avenue just east of Brentcliffe Road to set up the eastern launch shaft. For two and a half years, traffic around the excavation site will be reduced from two to one lane in each direction. West of the site, more lane restrictions would go into effect to construct head walls (below-ground walls that form the ends of each subway station) at the future {{stl|TTC|Laird}}, Bayview (later renamed Leaside) and Mount Pleasant stations. There would also be lane restrictions for two years near Hanna Road to build an emergency exit near Leaside High School.

By April 2014, the TBMs had arrived at Caledonia station. In April 2014, The Globe and Mail reported that the two western tunnel boring machines were excavating "approximately {{convert|1000|cuyd|disp=sqbr}} of spoil", per day.

For the year prior to May 2014, the two TBMs Dennis and Lea had been excavating and installing concrete tunnel liners at a rate of approximately {{convert|10|m|ft}} per day. The tunnels are lined with precast concrete liner segments. Six {{convert|2.5|tonne|adj=on}} segments form each ring.

In early December 2014, Dennis and Lea arrived at Eglinton West station.{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1JpRKWrWuT1bPzal943pWtlxf8Ic&hl=en|title=TBM tracker|website=Google My Maps|access-date=May 16, 2023|archive-date=May 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516165851/https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1JpRKWrWuT1bPzal943pWtlxf8Ic&hl=en|url-status=live}} Dennis stopped to allow Lea to catch up so that they would arrive at Eglinton West station at the same time.

2015

On the weekend of April 18 and 19, 2015, the boring machines, Dennis and Lea, were lifted out of a shaft west of Allen Road and moved about {{convert|100|m}} to a shaft just east of Allen Road.

In April 2015, merchants along Eglinton Avenue West were complaining of lost revenue (up to a 35 percent dip in sales), because construction was discouraging customers with snarled traffic, limited parking options, reduced foot traffic and dusty sidewalks.

By September 2015, the TBMs Don and Humber arrived for assembly in the shaft at Brentcliffe Road before starting to bore the {{convert|3.25|km|mi|adj=on}} section west to Yonge Street.

On September 24, 2015, Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca issued a statement saying the Crosstown would not operate until September 2021, in order "to mitigate disruption to the local community and infrastructure as much as possible." The earlier plan had been to open in 2020 with tunnelling and station construction to start in 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20100519/Five_in_Ten_Board_web.pdf |title=Achieving 5 in 10 – A Revised Plan for the Big 5 Transit Projects |publisher=Metrolinx |last=Collins |first=Jack |date=May 19, 2010 |access-date=September 27, 2015 |quote=Complete and in-service by 2020 |archive-date=February 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213041655/http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/board_agenda/20100519/Five_in_Ten_Board_web.pdf |url-status=dead}} Infrastructure Ontario has awarded the Crosstown construction contract to Crosslinx, a consortium led by SNC Lavalin. It will take about four years to build the stations, 15 of which will be underground.

On September 29, 2015, TBM Don started to bore the north tunnel from the Brentcliffe Road launching site westwards towards Yonge Street. TBM Humber will start boring the south tunnel approximately one month later.{{cite web |url=http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=43cf0b1f84daab81ded9951c5&id=6bf95025ac&e=67918bdda5 |title=Launch of tunnel boring machines and tunnelling work in the east |publisher=Metrolinx |date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=October 13, 2015}}

On November 3, 2015, Del Duca announced that the contract awarded to Crosslinx Transit Solutions to complete the Crosstown and maintain it for 30 years will cost $2{{nbsp}}billion less than originally estimated.

2016

File:Bathurst LRT station store and Chan 2015-08-22.jpg; the façade of the former House of Chan restaurant unintentionally collapsed, injuring several passersby.]]

On March 10, 2016, a ground-breaking ceremony was held at the site of Keelesdale station, the first station to be started for construction along the Eglinton Crosstown line.{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/wynne-tory-transit-1.3484775 |title=Crews break ground on 1st of 25 Eglinton Crosstown stations |work=CBC News |date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=March 22, 2016 |archive-date=March 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315080248/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/wynne-tory-transit-1.3484775 |url-status=live}}

In February 2016, work began on the extraction shaft for TBMs Humber and Don, which are digging the eastern segment of the line. However, the hole in the street there will be much smaller than the one near Leslie Street.

On April 18, 2016, at the site of the future Forest Hill station, the façade of the former House of Chan restaurant and the scaffolding that was holding it up collapsed, injuring seven people.{{cite news |last1=Johnston |first1=Paul |title=Eglinton scaffolding collapse injures 7, including baby: paramedics |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/eglinton-scaffolding-collapse-injures-7-including-baby-paramedics-1.2863982 |access-date=February 11, 2020 |work=CP24 |date=April 18, 2016 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231013951/https://www.cp24.com/news/eglinton-scaffolding-collapse-injures-7-including-baby-paramedics-1.2863982 |url-status=live}}

On May 10, TBMs Dennis and Lea, both of which had been boring the western segment of the line, completed their work by reaching Yonge Street. Dennis and Lea bored {{convert|6.4|km}}, installing 25,647 precast concrete tunnel segments to construct the 4,279 rings to line the twin tunnels.

On August 17, TBMs Don and Humber, which had been boring the eastern segment of the line, completed their work by reaching Yonge Street. Don and Humber bored {{convert|3.3|km}}, installing 26,178 precast concrete tunnel segments to construct the 4,363 rings to line the twin tunnels.{{cite news |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2016/08/17/big-dig-wraps-for-eglinton-crosstown-lrt |title=Big dig wraps for Eglinton Crosstown LRT |newspaper=Toronto Sun |first=Daniel |last=McKenzie |date=August 17, 2016 |access-date=August 18, 2016 |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819225629/http://www.torontosun.com/2016/08/17/big-dig-wraps-for-eglinton-crosstown-lrt |url-status=live}}

On September 1, Bombardier Transportation, which is producing cars for the line, failed to meet the delivery deadline for the pilot vehicle. As a result, Metrolinx filed notice to terminate the contract with Bombardier.

On November 3, 2016, Metrolinx filed a "notice of intention" to cancel its contract with Bombardier for the Crosstown's rolling stock.

2017

File:Extraction of TBM Don at Yonge&Eglinton.jpg]]

On February 10, 2017, Bombardier filed an injunction, seeking to compel Metrolinx to stick with their contract. Metrolinx responded that Bombardier did deliver a prototype for testing, as required by the contract. However, Metrolinx claimed that the prototype was so incomplete that it would not power up.

Between March 13 and 17, the TBMs Don and Humber were removed in pieces from the extraction shaft on Eglinton Avenue just east of Yonge Street.{{cite web |url=http://us10.campaign-archive1.com/?u=43cf0b1f84daab81ded9951c5&id=f42b65ed13&e=67918bdda5 |title=Join us March 13 to say farewell to the Crosstown's TBM |publisher=Metrolinx |date=October 3, 2017 |access-date=March 13, 2017 |quote=Metrolinx invites you to join us throughout the week of March 13, 2017 to watch the pieces of being lifted and transported offsite. We will start the process of extracting the tunnel boring machines (TBM) from the completed east tunnels, and say farewell to our faithful helpers, TBM Don and TBM Humber. The TBMs will be disassembled and lifted from extraction shaft just east of Yonge & Eglinton in four oversized sections over four days. ... Each piece will be lifted from the extraction shaft in the morning, and placed on the ground within the construction zone. Later, after 9 p.m. that night, the piece will be loaded onto a large truck and hauled away. TBM Don, the machine that bored the north tunnel, will be removed first.}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/03/13/work-starts-on-stations-tracks-for-eglinton-crosstown-lrt.html |title=Work starts on stations, tracks for Eglinton-Crosstown LRT |last=Dolski |first=Megan |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=March 13, 2017 |access-date=March 14, 2017 |archive-date=March 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314000654/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/03/13/work-starts-on-stations-tracks-for-eglinton-crosstown-lrt.html |url-status=live}}

In July 2017, construction crews began preparation for constructing the eastern at-grade portion of the line by removing the median in the roadway.

On August 9, the first piece of track, a turnout, was installed at the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility (EMSF) in Mount Dennis. The facility was scheduled for completion in late 2018{{cite web |url=http://mailchi.mp/metrolinx/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-updates-8ecbmx7xhp?e=67918bdda5 |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT Updates – August 2017 |publisher=Metrolinx |date=August 11, 2017 |access-date=August 11, 2017 |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422100327/https://mailchi.mp/metrolinx/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-updates-8ecbmx7xhp?e=67918bdda5 |url-status=live}} but this date was later revised to early 2019.

2018

In July 2018, Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the construction company building the LRT line, sued Metrolinx, claiming that utility work prior to construction exceeded timelines Metrolinx had specified. Crosslinx sought to extend the 2021 deadline for the opening of the transit line by one year.{{cite web |last1=Spurr |first1=Ben |title=Companies building Eglinton Crosstown LRT sue Metrolinx for breach of contract |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/07/11/companies-building-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-launch-lawsuit-against-metrolinx.html |website=The Star |date=July 11, 2018 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809025358/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/07/11/companies-building-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-launch-lawsuit-against-metrolinx.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-auditor-finds-metrolinx-spent-237-million-to-rescue-crosstown-light/ |title=Auditor-General says Metrolinx paid massive settlement without thoroughly reviewing claim |access-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214012940/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-auditor-finds-metrolinx-spent-237-million-to-rescue-crosstown-light/ |url-status=live}} In August 2018, Metrolinx submitted a filing with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to dismiss the lawsuit. This was based on an agreement with Crosslinx to resolve disputes only after construction has been completed.{{cite web |last1=Spurr |first1=Ben |title=Metrolinx asks court to block lawsuit over Eglinton Crosstown LRT line |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/08/07/metrolinx-asks-court-to-block-lawsuit-over-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-line.html |website=The Star |date=August 8, 2018 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808200050/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/08/07/metrolinx-asks-court-to-block-lawsuit-over-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-line.html |url-status=live}} The lawsuit was settled by Metrolinx in September 2018 under undisclosed terms.{{Cite news |url=http://bayview-news.com/2018/09/lrt-legal-challenge-settled-with-terms-to-remain-cofidential.html/ |title=LRT legal challenge settled with terms kept confidential |date=September 7, 2018 |work=The South Bayview Bulldog |access-date=September 24, 2018 |archive-date=September 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924070932/http://bayview-news.com/2018/09/lrt-legal-challenge-settled-with-terms-to-remain-cofidential.html/ |url-status=live}} It was revealed by the Auditor General of Ontario that one of the terms included an additional $237{{nbsp}}million to be paid to Crosslinx for an assurance to meet Metrolinx's 2021 deadline.{{Cite web |url=http://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/arreports/en18/v1_307en18.pdf |title=Metrolinx—LRT Construction and Infrastructure Planning |website=www.auditor.on.ca |access-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218054622/http://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/arreports/en18/v1_307en18.pdf |url-status=live}}

In October 2018, the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility was substantially complete.{{cite web |url=https://mailchi.mp/4f16c9d20221/eglinton-crosstown-update-1021317?e=67918bdda5 |title=Eglinton Crosstown Update |publisher=Metrolinx |date=January 11, 2019 |access-date=January 13, 2019 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407023241/https://mailchi.mp/4f16c9d20221/eglinton-crosstown-update-1021317?e=67918bdda5 |url-status=live}}

By December 2018, {{convert|10|km}} of track had been installed. The line requires {{convert|47|km}} of track in total.

2019

On January 8, 2019, Bombardier delivered the first Flexity Freedom vehicle to the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility, which, according to Metrolinx, was "substantially complete and ready to receive the vehicles" by this date.

File:O'Connor stop - Laying rails at Eglinton Square.jpg in April 2019]]

In January 2019, the first concrete pour for the surface section occurred at the location of the future O'Connor stop at Eglinton Square. Before being encased in concrete, conduit pipes were laid to support communications and power cables for the Crosstown's stations and stops.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWG1Gf3P5g0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/GWG1Gf3P5g0 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live |title=East Guideway Concrete Pour |publisher=Metrolinx |date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=April 7, 2019}}{{cbignore}}

From July 1 to late August 2019, Leslie Street at Eglinton Avenue was closed for the installation of tracks and infrastructure at the intersection. During this time, the TTC 51 Leslie bus route turned back at Leslie Street and Eglinton Avenue at a temporary bus loop. The temporary closure allowed work to be completed in one section instead of two, thus eliminating joints in the road and track. This provided a higher quality result, reducing future maintenance. The closure also reduced the construction period at the intersection from six months to two.{{Cite web |url=http://thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/proposed-leslie-street-closure-backgrounder |title=Proposed Leslie Street Closure |date=March 29, 2019 |access-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402131401/http://www.thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/proposed-leslie-street-closure-backgrounder |url-status=live}}

In November 2019, Crosslinx informed Metrolinx that it expected the line not to be completed before May 6, 2022, and that the construction costs would total $12.58{{nbsp}}billion, an increase of $330{{nbsp}}million over previous estimates. The main problems reported were defective caissons (underground watertight compartments) built in the 1950s at Eglinton station, groundwater at the Avenue station site and construction difficulties at the CP Rail / Metrolinx bridge adjacent to the Mount Dennis station.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/12/30/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-could-be-330-million-over-budget-and-open-seven-months-late-internal-documents-warn.html|title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT could be $330{{nbsp}}million over budget and open seven months late, internal documents warn {{!}} The Star|website=thestar.com|date=December 30, 2019|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314081550/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/12/30/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-could-be-330-million-over-budget-and-open-seven-months-late-internal-documents-warn.html|url-status=live}}

On December 14, 2019, testing began between the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility and the Western portal using Flexity Freedom vehicles, initially testing track clearances at slow speed. On December 17, Crosslinx conducted an inaugural run with staff and guests from the handover platform at the EMSF to the elevated guideway over Black Creek Drive. At that time, overhead wire had been installed between the EMSF to just short of the Keelesdale platform.{{cite tweet |title=Light rail at the end of the tunnel |user=GreggLintern |number=1205868627297230849 |date=December 14, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/12/20/first-eglinton-crosstown-light-rail-vehicle-hits-tracks-of-main-toronto-line-see-the-video-here/ |title=Training tale – First Eglinton Crosstown light rail vehicle hits tracks of main Toronto line |publisher=Metrolinx |date=January 9, 2020 |access-date=December 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227020238/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/12/20/first-eglinton-crosstown-light-rail-vehicle-hits-tracks-of-main-toronto-line-see-the-video-here/ |archive-date=December 27, 2019}}

2020

By the end of January 2020, Crosslinx had laid 50 percent of the line's track.{{cite web |url=https://mailchi.mp/7da9f02ca700/eglinton-crosstown-update-1024349?e=67918bdda5 |title=Eglinton Crosstown Update February 2020 |publisher=Metrolinx |date=February 2020 |access-date=February 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221223608/https://mailchi.mp/7da9f02ca700/eglinton-crosstown-update-1024349?e=67918bdda5 |archive-date=February 21, 2020}}

In February 2020, Metrolinx announced that the line would not open until "well into 2022", a delay from the previous target of September 2021.{{cite web |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT won't be ready until 'well into 2022,' Metrolinx says |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-open-2022-1.5466847 |website=CBC News |access-date=February 18, 2020 |date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218165253/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-open-2022-1.5466847 |url-status=live}} This was despite Metrolinx reaching a settlement with Crosslinx the previous year, paying the consortium $237{{nbsp}}million to commit to a September 2021 deadline. Metrolinx cited reasons for the delay: Crosslinx had started work nine months late, and had been slow to finalize some aspects of the design. Also, at Eglinton station, pipes embedded in concrete built in the 1950s were discovered in a position that impeded excavation for the Crosstown under Line 1 Yonge–University.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/02/17/eglinton-crosstown-faces-another-setback-delayed-until-2022.html |title=Eglinton Crosstown faces another setback, delayed until 2022 |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218090021/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/02/17/eglinton-crosstown-faces-another-setback-delayed-until-2022.html |url-status=live}}

In early March 2020, the provincial government announced it would provide $3{{nbsp}}million in aid to local merchants negatively affected by Crosstown construction near their businesses. The Ministry of Transportation and Metrolinx also announced that they would look into an earlier, partial opening of the Crosstown line.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/03/09/ford-government-pledges-3m-for-businesses-affected-by-eglinton-lrt-construction.html |title=Ford government pledges $3M for businesses affected by Eglinton LRT construction |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=David |last=Rider |date=March 9, 2020 |access-date=March 10, 2020 |archive-date=March 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310140114/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/03/09/ford-government-pledges-3m-for-businesses-affected-by-eglinton-lrt-construction.html |url-status=live}}

By March 2020, Crosslinx had installed the first passenger-waiting shelter on the surface section of the line at the Pharmacy stop. The shelters were pre-fabricated and hoisted into position on the LRT boarding platform.

On March 9, 2020, Crosslinx began work to extract tunnel boring machines Dennis and Lea at Duplex Avenue, one block west of Yonge Street.{{cite web |url=https://mailchi.mp/b69960964b27/eglinton-crosstown-update-1024485?e=67918bdda5 |title=Eglinton Crosstown Update |publisher=Metrolinx |date=March 13, 2020 |access-date=March 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316203017/https://mailchi.mp/b69960964b27/eglinton-crosstown-update-1024485?e=67918bdda5 |archive-date=March 16, 2020}}

On May 4, 2020, Metrolinx reported the first test trip by a light rail vehicle (LRV) in a Line 5 tunnel. The trip was from the maintenance and storage facility to just short of the platform at the underground Keelesdale station. The test run was to check clearances, trackwork, and overhead power and communications; it involved several movements in and out of the tunnel at speeds of up to {{convert|25|km/h|abbr=on}}.

File:Science Centre station main entrance (2020-06).jpg under construction in June 2020]]

On October 1, 2020, Crosslinx proposed partially opening Line 5 on February 28, 2022, with the Line 5 portion of Eglinton station not opening until May 2022. However, the direct connection for riders transferring between Lines 1 and 5 at Eglinton station would not be completed until September 2022; until then, passengers who wished to transfer would need to exit to the surface and descend by the entrance next door. Crosslinx says defective infrastructure from 1954 at Eglinton station, difficult hydrogeological conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic had hindered the project. Moody's Investors Service also reported delays at Kennedy, Forest Hill, Mount Pleasant and Cedarvale stations.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/10/01/new-report-says-the-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-could-open-five-months-late-and-without-its-eglinton-stop.html |title=New report says the Eglinton Crosstown LRT could open five months late — and without its Eglinton stop |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=October 1, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002041347/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/10/01/new-report-says-the-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-could-open-five-months-late-and-without-its-eglinton-stop.html |url-status=dead}} On October 8, Crosslinx filed a lawsuit against Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario, claiming $134{{Nbsp}}million in unexpected costs due to the pandemic. Metrolinx countered that Crosslinx had been falling behind schedule before the pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-lawsuit-1.5755066 |title=In 'extraordinary step,' company building Eglinton Crosstown hits province with lawsuit |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010235256/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-lawsuit-1.5755066 |url-status=live}}

In early December 2020, the first pieces of artwork were being installed at Science Centre and Mount Dennis stations.{{Cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2020/12/09/the-art-of-the-line-how-torontos-crosstown-lrt-is-adding-creative-touches-to-transit-design/ |title=The art of the line – How Toronto's Crosstown LRT is adding creative touches to transit design |date=December 9, 2020 |access-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211170623/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2020/12/09/the-art-of-the-line-how-torontos-crosstown-lrt-is-adding-creative-touches-to-transit-design/ |url-status=live}}

2021

By early April 2021, tracks had been laid on the surface into the Brentcliffe Portal just east of Brentcliffe Road. This location will be the transition between underground and surface running on Line 5 between Laird station and the Sunnybrook Park stop.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/04/07/crosstown-lrt-crews-complete-installation-of-rail-on-important-stretch-of-torontos-brentcliffe-portal/ |title=Crosstown LRT crews complete installation of rail on important stretch of Toronto's Brentcliffe Portal |publisher=Metrolinx |date=April 7, 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411181107/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/04/07/crosstown-lrt-crews-complete-installation-of-rail-on-important-stretch-of-torontos-brentcliffe-portal/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021}} In addition, as of April 2021, 85 percent of track had been installed along the entire line.

In April 2021, the last concrete "invert pour" on the line was completed at Eglinton station. The invert pour created the station's base level slab (also called an "invert"), which lies over the "mudslab", a concrete layer that sits on top of the earth.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/04/21/when-it-pours-crosstown-lrt-projects-sees-significant-concrete-milestones-as-well-as-main-entrance-features-at-science-centre-station/ |title=Crosstown LRT projects sees significant concrete milestones as well as main entrance features at Science Centre Station |publisher=Metrolinx |date=April 21, 2021 |access-date=April 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421205514/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/04/21/when-it-pours-crosstown-lrt-projects-sees-significant-concrete-milestones-as-well-as-main-entrance-features-at-science-centre-station/ |archive-date=April 21, 2021}}

On May 3, 2021, Crosslinx energized the overhead catenary system between Laird and Kennedy stations for testing purposes. Traction power substations along the surface route supply electricity to the catenary; there will be 15 such substations.{{cite web |url=https://mailchi.mp/a46a6189c85a/overhead-catenary-system-energization-between-laird-drive-and-kennedy-road |title=Overhead Catenary System Energization between Laird Drive and Kennedy Road |publisher=Metrolinx |date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501190212/https://mailchi.mp/a46a6189c85a/overhead-catenary-system-energization-between-laird-drive-and-kennedy-road |archive-date=May 1, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/05/10/powering-up-the-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-for-the-first-time/ |title=Powering up the Eglinton Crosstown LRT for the first time |publisher=Metrolinx |date=May 10, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210511001826/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/05/10/powering-up-the-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-for-the-first-time/ |archive-date=May 11, 2021}}

On May 17, 2021, Crosslinx won a case in Ontario Superior Court against Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario to allow compensation for the extra construction costs and project delays due to the pandemic. The court decision allowed Crosslinx to negotiate with the two provincial agencies for financial compensation and a later completion date. (The completion per the contract was to have been September 2021, later revised to 2022 by Metrolinx.) Crosslinx sought approximately $134{{Nbsp}}million in compensation for extra safety measures, absenteeism and supply-chain problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/05/17/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-to-cost-more-and-take-longer-after-builder-scores-legal-victory.html |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT to cost more and take longer, after builder scores legal victory |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=May 17, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517225753/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/05/17/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-to-cost-more-and-take-longer-after-builder-scores-legal-victory.html |url-status=live}}

File:Crosstown LRVs used for testing parked at Brentcliffe portal.jpg

Between May 25 and June 2, 2021, six LRVs were delivered by truck from the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility to Eglinton Avenue East and Rosemount Drive along the eastern end of the line. After unloading, each LRV (powered by the catenary) ran westwards to be stored within the Brentcliffe portal. (Until this point, only the section west from Caledonia station had been operational for testing trains.) Clearance and static testing was scheduled to take place in June with LRVs moving at walking speed.{{cite web |url=https://mailchi.mp/5770d95ebb17/light-rail-vehicle-delivery-and-testing-between-laird-dr-and-kennedy-rd |title=Light Rail Vehicle Delivery and Testing between Laird Dr. and Kennedy Rd. |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514013236/https://mailchi.mp/5770d95ebb17/light-rail-vehicle-delivery-and-testing-between-laird-dr-and-kennedy-rd |archive-date=May 14, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/05/27/get-an-update-on-the-first-batch-of-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-vehicles-as-they-begin-their-testing-journey/ |title=Get an update on the first batch of Eglinton Crosstown LRT vehicles as they begin their testing journey |publisher=Metrolinx |date=May 27, 2021 |access-date=June 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527154651/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/05/27/get-an-update-on-the-first-batch-of-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-vehicles-as-they-begin-their-testing-journey/ |archive-date=May 27, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/06/03/see-video-of-crosstown-light-rail-vehicles-arrive-in-preparation-for-testing-to-come/ |title=See new videos of Crosstown light rail vehicles arrive in preparation for testing to come |publisher=Metrolinx |date=June 3, 2021 |access-date=June 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603141725/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/06/03/see-video-of-crosstown-light-rail-vehicles-arrive-in-preparation-for-testing-to-come/ |archive-date=June 3, 2021}}

Effective June 20, 2021, the TTC renumbered the Avenue Rd bus route from 5 to 13 in order to free up the route number 5 for the Eglinton line.{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/News/2021/June/18_06_21NR_bay_avenue_routes_renumbered.jsp |title=TTC to renumber 5 Avenue and 6 Bay bus routes to prepare for future rapid transit lines |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |date=June 18, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623040035/https://www.ttc.ca/News/2021/June/18_06_21NR_bay_avenue_routes_renumbered.jsp |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |url-status=live}}

By July 2021, 93 percent of the rail had been installed along the line. At Chaplin station, track work was being completed. However, at neighbouring Avenue station, concrete was still being poured in the tunnel at one end of the station box.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/07/12/crews-use-unusual-formwork-on-crosstown-lrt-project-as-team-gets-closer-to-putting-down-all-rail/ |title=Crews use unusual formwork on Crosstown LRT project as team gets closer to putting down all rail |publisher=Metrolinx |date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712203526/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/07/12/crews-use-unusual-formwork-on-crosstown-lrt-project-as-team-gets-closer-to-putting-down-all-rail/ | archive-date=July 12, 2021}}

Until late August 2021, Crosslinx had tested the interaction between the vehicles and communications and signal systems east of the Brentcliffe portal. Vehicles ran at slow speeds. On August 24, 2021, Crosslinx started a new phase of testing east of the Brentcliffe portal involving coupled vehicles, increased speed, braking and concurrent vehicle operation.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/08/24/testing-begins-as-crosstown-lrt-vehicles-make-their-first-move-along-eglinton-avenue/ |title=Testing begins as Crosstown LRT vehicles make their first move along Eglinton Avenue |publisher=Metrolinx |date=August 24, 2021 |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828163211/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/08/24/testing-begins-as-crosstown-lrt-vehicles-make-their-first-move-along-eglinton-avenue/ |url-status=live}}

By early October 2021, Crosslinx was finishing the trackwork at Eglinton station, which included a crossover.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/10/05/final-pieces-of-trackwork-being-installed-at-eglinton-station-for-crosstown-lrt-project/ |title=Final pieces of trackwork being installed at Eglinton Station for Crosstown LRT project |publisher=Metrolinx |date=October 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005212341/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/10/05/final-pieces-of-trackwork-being-installed-at-eglinton-station-for-crosstown-lrt-project/ |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |url-status=live}} By November 1, 2021, the last section of track was laid under Yonge Street at Eglinton station, making the rails continuous between Mount Dennis and Kennedy stations. Full completion of the catenary, signals and the communication system was not expected until 2022.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/11/02/crews-install-last-piece-of-track-for-eglinton-crosstown-lrt/ |title=Crews install last piece of track for Eglinton Crosstown LRT |publisher=Metrolinx |date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102153128/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/11/02/crews-install-last-piece-of-track-for-eglinton-crosstown-lrt/ |archive-date=November 2, 2021 |url-status=live}}

In November 2021, an LRV travelled from the EMSF to Laird station under its own power at slow speed in order to test clearances and systems along the way; the section between Laird and Fairbank stations had limited power. Then, the three coupled pairs of LRVs stored at Laird station were driven back to the EMSF for maintenance and replaced by two trains for further testing of the line east of Laird station.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/11/18/see-video-as-crosstown-light-rail-vehicles-travel-from-laird-station-back-to-their-storage-facility/ |title=See video as first Crosstown light rail vehicles travel from Laird Station back to their storage facility |publisher=Metrolinx |date=November 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211119003615/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/11/18/see-video-as-crosstown-light-rail-vehicles-travel-from-laird-station-back-to-their-storage-facility/ |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |url-status=live}}

By December 2021, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario had come to a settlement with Crosslinx to pay the consortium an extra $325{{Nbsp}}million to handle additional costs due the COVID-19 pandemic and due to an unexpected obstruction at Eglinton station that was impeding construction. The line was expected to be substantially complete by September 2022 but possibly not be open until 2023.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/12/22/new-deal-sees-eglinton-crosstown-cost-another-325-million-but-gives-no-word-on-when-riders-can-use-it.html |title=Eglinton LRT to cost $325{{nbsp}}million more — and won't open to riders until 2023 |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=December 22, 2021 |access-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223022436/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/12/22/new-deal-sees-eglinton-crosstown-cost-another-325-million-but-gives-no-word-on-when-riders-can-use-it.html |url-status=live}}

2022

File:Eglinton Stn new SW entrance construction 2021-07-21.jpg under construction in July 2022]]

By late February 2022, the last signal to control LRT train movements along the line was installed in the tunnel at Laird station.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/02/24/not-just-any-red-light-final-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-signal-installed-at-laird-station/ |title=Not just any red light – Final Eglinton Crosstown LRT signal installed at Laird Station |publisher=Metrolinx |date=February 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224164133/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/02/24/not-just-any-red-light-final-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-signal-installed-at-laird-station/ |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |url-status=live}}

In March 2022, Metrolinx announced that all 76 of the light rail vehicles had been brought together at the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility, the fleet's final deliveries having arrived in 2021.{{Cite web |title=All of Toronto's Crosstown vehicles are ready to go as the line actually nears completion |url=https://www.blogto.com/city/2022/03/toronto-crosstown-vehicles-ready/ |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=www.blogto.com |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401125823/https://www.blogto.com/city/2022/03/toronto-crosstown-vehicles-ready/ |url-status=live}}

In July 2022, Metrolinx started to test three-car trains together with the train control system along the line. Three cars is the maximum train length for the line and can carry up to 490 passengers.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/07/21/full-length-vehicle-testing-starts-for-eglinton-crosstown-plus-station-updates/ |title=Full-length vehicle testing starts for Eglinton Crosstown – plus station updates |publisher=Metrolinx |date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721175950/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/07/21/full-length-vehicle-testing-starts-for-eglinton-crosstown-plus-station-updates/ |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |url-status=live}}

In late September 2022, Metrolinx announced that Crosslinx was behind schedule and thus Line 5 would not be completed by year-end as was previously expected. Metrolinx did not provide a revised completion date.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/09/23/long-delayed-eglinton-lrt-delayed-again-says-metrolinx.html |title=Long-delayed Eglinton LRT delayed again, says Metrolinx |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923213027/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/09/23/long-delayed-eglinton-lrt-delayed-again-says-metrolinx.html |url-status=live}} However, CBC Toronto cited an unnamed source with knowledge of the project who stated that Line 5 would likely be delayed a year, until September 2023. The completion of underground stations was behind schedule, particularly at Eglinton station where tunnelling under Line 1 was difficult.{{cite web |date=September 23, 2022 |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT will be delayed by about a year, source says |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-behind-schedule-metrolinx-1.6593957 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925173953/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-behind-schedule-metrolinx-1.6593957 |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |access-date=September 23, 2022 |website=CBC Toronto}}

According to an internal Metrolinx report from September 2022, Crosslinx had expected to complete the project by March 2023, but Metrolinx felt that date to be unrealistic. Metrolinx blamed Crosslinx and old infrastructure at Eglinton station for project delays. Metrolinx also had complaints about deficiencies in work completed. Crosslinx had over $260{{nbsp}}million in outstanding claims against Metrolinx.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/12/08/no-credible-plan-for-completion-of-eglinton-lrt-says-metrolinx.html |title=No 'credible plan' for completion of Eglinton LRT, says Metrolinx |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=December 12, 2022 |access-date=December 9, 2022 |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209011438/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/12/08/no-credible-plan-for-completion-of-eglinton-lrt-says-metrolinx.html |url-status=live}}

In December, CBC Toronto obtained confidential documents from Metrolinx which indicated that the company did not believe Crosslinx had a "credible plan" to complete the line. The records stated that 98 percent of construction and engineering work was completed at the time of their writing, while only 79 percent of track and train testing had been completed.

2023

In February 2023, Crosslinx reported it had made good progress at Eglinton station, but some utility and road restoration work still needed to be done. By April 2023, Metrolinx had not given a project status update to the public since September 2022. Documents obtained by the Toronto Star indicated the silence from Metrolinx was at the direction of the provincial government.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/04/22/something-really-stinks-here-why-you-still-dont-know-when-the-eglinton-lrt-will-start-running.html |title='Something really stinks here': Why you still don't know when the Eglinton LRT will start running |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422205616/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/04/22/something-really-stinks-here-why-you-still-dont-know-when-the-eglinton-lrt-will-start-running.html |url-status=live}}

In late April 2023, construction crews started to remove the platform at the Sloane stop due to uneven concrete, which was causing water to pool on the platform. Replacement of the platform (built in 2020) would take one month of work, and Metrolinx said that Crosslinx would be responsible for the cost.{{cite web |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/04/24/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-sloane-station-platform/ |title=Never-used Eglinton Crosstown LRT station platform ripped up due to uneven concrete |newspaper=CityNews |date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425003747/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/04/24/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-sloane-station-platform/ | archive-date=April 25, 2023 |url-status=live}}

On April 26, 2023, Brian Lilley of the Toronto Sun cited unnamed sources in government and industry who indicated that Line 5 would not open until 2024 at the earliest.{{cite web |url=https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/crosstown-wont-open-this-year-finch-line-unlikely-as-well |title=Eglinton Crosstown won't open until 2024 — at the earliest |newspaper=Toronto Sun |first=Brian |last=Lilley |date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=May 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518094744/https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/crosstown-wont-open-this-year-finch-line-unlikely-as-well |url-status=live}} A day later, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster gave a status report but gave no completion date. The project had 260 non-conformance issues for Crosslinx to fix. The major problem identified was improperly laid tracks in tunnels that might be only a few millimetres out of gauge but could result in a derailment. Testing was only 50 percent complete. Training of TTC staff to operate the line would not start until the line was fully ready.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/04/27/metrolinx-ceo-sheds-light-on-reasons-for-eglinton-lrt-delays.html |title=Metrolinx CEO sheds light on reasons for Eglinton LRT delays |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=April 27, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428220330/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/04/27/metrolinx-ceo-sheds-light-on-reasons-for-eglinton-lrt-delays.html |url-status=live}}

On May 14, 2023, the TTC opened the northern platform extension at Eglinton station along Line 1 Yonge–University so that Line 1 trains stop {{convert|24|m}} further north. Upon Line 5's opening, the northern extension would offer riders a more convenient transfer between trains on Lines 1 and 5. The southern end of the original platform is closed off from trains but is still publicly accessible from the centre of the island platform to allow for access to the elevator.{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/news/2023/May/Upcoming-TTC-subway-closures-and-weekend-diversions |title=Upcoming TTC subway closures and weekend diversions |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |date=May 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512212914/https://www.ttc.ca/news/2023/May/Upcoming-TTC-subway-closures-and-weekend-diversions | archive-date=May 12, 2023 |url-status=live}}

On May 16, 2023, Metrolinx announced that Crosslinx intended to sue the provincial agency and also to cease working with the TTC on the project. Crosslinx claimed that changes requested by the TTC were creating project delays and extra costs and that this resulted from a lack of a signed operating agreement between Metrolinx and the TTC. Crosslinx wanted the courts to remove its obligation to work on the project while issues with Metrolinx and the TTC remained unresolved. On the same day, Verster confirmed the line would not open until sometime in 2024.{{Cite web |first=Michael |last=Ranger |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/05/16/eglinton-crosstown-metrolinx-ttc-crosslinx/ |title=Eglinton Crosstown won't open until 2024, construction group to take legal action: Metrolinx |website=CityNews |date=May 16, 2023 |access-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516163903/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/05/16/eglinton-crosstown-metrolinx-ttc-crosslinx/ |url-status=live}}

On September 27, 2023, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster announced he would not give an estimated opening date for Line 5 until after "high-risk testing and commissioning work is completed". At the time of the announcement, there were about 200 unresolved defects on the project.

On December 8, 2023, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster again refused to provide any estimated opening date, saying that the date would be announced three months before opening. Crosslinx president Bill Gifford said a key piece of work could not be done in the winter months. By December 2023, 15.3 percent of the integration testing had been completed. Ten test trains were operating along the line, but testing would require increased train frequencies of 3 to 5 minutes. Training of TTC operators was 12 percent complete.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/i-apologize-metrolinx-ceo-still-unable-to-give-an-opening-date-for-years-delayed-eglinton/article_24772032-9537-11ee-98d9-63b45f2dcc8a.html |title=Metrolinx CEO still unable to give an opening date for years-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=December 8, 2023}} In December 2023, for budget purposes, the TTC made the assumption that Line 5 would open no earlier than September 2024.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc-budget-plans-on-eglinton-crosstown-and-finch-west-lrts-opening-in-the-fall/article_9927d782-9b90-11ee-929c-cf7b9a068423.html |title=TTC budget plans on Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRTs opening in the fall |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=December 15, 2023}}

2024 and 2025

On March 25, 2024, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster stated that all major construction had been completed but that the most serious obstacle remaining was defects in software for the signalling and train control system.{{cite web |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/major-construction-complete-on-eglinton-crosstown-but-software-and-quality-assurance-issues-outstanding-metrolinx-1.6821701 |title='Major construction' complete on Eglinton Crosstown but software and quality assurance issues outstanding: Metrolinx |work=CTV News |date=March 25, 2024}} The software defects were corrected with the sixth version of the software tested in April and May 2024.

A Metrolinx report dated June 27, 2024, indicated that construction had been completed for 14 of the 15 stations along the line. Eglinton station was the only station where work was outstanding due to its complexity. By June 2024, 17 TTC staff had been trained as instructors. It was planned they would, in turn, train 110 operators.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/report-sheds-light-on-beleaguered-eglinton-crosstown-lrts-progress/article_118e4288-3aec-11ef-8bf1-a32245cf0676.html |title=Report sheds light on beleaguered Eglinton Crosstown LRT's progress |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=July 8, 2024}}

By early October 2024, Metrolinx stated that Line 5 would not open in 2024, but would give three months notice of its opening.{{cite web |url=https://www.cp24.com/politics/toronto-city-hall/2024/10/05/unacceptable-toronto-councillor-calls-for-public-inquiry-into-eglinton-crosstown-delays/ |title='Unacceptable': Toronto councillor calls for public inquiry into Eglinton Crosstown delays |newspaper=CablePulse 24 |date=October 5, 2024 }} On December 4, 2024, Councillor Jamaal Myers, chairman of the TTC board, stated that the TTC does not expect Line 5 to open before June 1, 2025, at the earliest. Myers also said he had no confirmation from Metrolinx as to whether that date was realistic. As of 2025, training of TTC operators had not been completed, and a 30-day test period of non-revenue service had not started.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/eglinton-crosstown-opening-june-ttc-1.7400691 |title=Eglinton Crosstown will open no earlier than mid-2025, TTC chair says |newspaper=CBC News |date=December 4, 2024 }}

In March 2025, two anonymous sources told the Toronto Star that the line is expected to open in September 2025. One remarked upon the possibility of "an eleventh-hour problem" due to Metrolinx's lack of transparency regarding the construction and testing of the project.{{Cite news |last=Takagi |first=Andy |date=March 13, 2025 |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally has an opening date, according to sources |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-finally-has-an-opening-date-according-to-sources/article_8e0e844a-f52b-11ef-bd76-3383ae9e992a.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313204500/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-finally-has-an-opening-date-according-to-sources/article_8e0e844a-f52b-11ef-bd76-3383ae9e992a.html |archive-date=March 13, 2025 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |work=Toronto Star}}

On March 28, 2025, Metrolinx announced that Science Centre station would be renamed "{{stl|TTC|Don Valley}}" to reflect the station’s proximity to the Don Valley Parkway, the Don River, and the Don Valley itself. Other names considered for the station were "Concorde", "Industrial District", "Olympia Square", "Ferrand", and "Don River".{{Cite news |last=Colin |first=D'Mello |date=March 28, 2025 |title=Metrolinx renaming Eglinton Crosstown LRT's Ontario Science Centre station |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/11101377/metrolinx-to-rename-eglinton-crosstown-lrts-ontario-science-centre-station/ |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=Global News}}

=West section=

The delivery strategy from Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario includes five separate contracts: a first advance tunnel between Renforth Drive and Scarlett Road; a second advance tunnel between Jane Street and Mount Dennis station; an elevated guideway between Scarlett Road and Jane Street; stations, rail and systems for the entire LRT; and the airport segment.

==Advance tunnel 1 – Renforth to Scarlett==

File:Renforth station construction.jpg box under construction in October 2023]]

On March 10, 2020, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the construction of tunnels, marking the first phase of procurement of the western Eglinton extension.{{Cite web |title=Request for Qualifications Issued for Tunnelling Works on Scarborough Subway Extension and Eglinton Crosstown West Extension |url=https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/news-and-media/news/advance-tunnel-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/request-for-qualifications-issued-for-tunnelling-works/ |access-date=May 6, 2023 |website=Infrastructure Ontario |language=en |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506033702/https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/news-and-media/news/advance-tunnel-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/request-for-qualifications-issued-for-tunnelling-works/ |url-status=live}} On May 20, 2021, the design–build–finance contract was awarded to West End Connectors (a consortium of Dragados, Aecon and Ghella).{{Cite web |title=Contract Awarded for Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Advance Tunnel Project |url=https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/news-and-media/news/advance-tunnel-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/contract-awarded-for-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension-advance-tunnel-project/ |access-date=May 6, 2023 |website=Infrastructure Ontario |language=en |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506033655/https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/news-and-media/news/advance-tunnel-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/contract-awarded-for-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension-advance-tunnel-project/ |url-status=live}}

The contract included the design, construction and financing of:

  • {{Convert|6|km}} of tunnels between Renforth Drive and Scarlett Road
  • Advance civil engineering work (including headwalls for future construction of emergency exit buildings and stations)
  • Activities necessary to build the tunnel (e.g. utility relocations, supports for shaft and headwalls, temporary power supply, lighting, ventilation, and drainage)

On April 11, 2022, tunnelling began from the launch shaft located adjacent to Renforth station; two tunnel-boring machines (TBM), dubbed Rexy and Renny, will tunnel {{convert|6|km}} eastwards to the west side of Scarlett Road, where the extraction shaft will be located. Each TBM weighs about {{convert|750|tonnes}}, and are {{convert|6.58|m}} in diameter and {{convert|131|m}} in length. The tunnels will be {{convert|20|m}} underground. The underground stations will be built using the cut-and-cover method. Renny started boring in April 2022 but Rexy started later, in early August, as the launch area was only large enough to launch one TBM at a time. The extraction shaft will be near the west side of Scarlett Road.{{cite web |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Second tunnel starts as Rexy joins Renny in tunnelling the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/08/05/second-tunnel-starts-as-rexy-joins-renny-in-tunnelling-the-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806205442/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/08/05/second-tunnel-starts-as-rexy-joins-renny-in-tunnelling-the-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/ |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |publisher=Metrolinx}}

==Elevated guideway – Scarlett to Jane==

In December 2021, Metrolinx issued a pre-qualification request for a design–build contract to build a {{Convert|1.5|km|adj=on}} elevated guideway from the portal west of Scarlett Road to the portal east of Jane Street. This elevated guideway will connect both advance tunnel contracts and will take the line over the Humber River.{{Cite web |title=Metrolinx - Abstract - SQ-2021-CSUB-101 - Sq-2021-csub-101: Prequalification For Design Build Of The Elevated Guideway (sc |url=https://www.metrolinx.merx.com/public/solicitations/2050395854/abstract |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=www.metrolinx.merx.com |archive-date=November 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122051623/https://www.metrolinx.merx.com/public/solicitations/2050395854/abstract |url-status=live}} On December 15, 2023, the contract was awarded to Aecon, with construction of the guideway to begin sometime in 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/news/contract-awarded-for-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension-guideway |title=Contract awarded for Eglinton Crosstown West Extension guideway |publisher=Metrolinx |date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219020357/https://www.metrolinx.com/en/news/contract-awarded-for-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension-guideway | archive-date=December 19, 2023 |url-status=live}}

==Advance tunnel 2 – Jane to Mount Dennis==

On December 2, 2021, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario issued the request for qualification (RFQ) for the construction of tunnels between Jane Street and Mount Dennis station. On February 16, 2024, the contract was awarded to Strabag. The contract includes the design and construction of a {{Convert|500|m|adj=on}} tunnel from east of Jane Street to Mount Dennis station, as well as modifications to the station to enable through service.{{cite web |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/news/second-tunnelling-contract-awarded-for-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension |title=Metrolinx has awarded the contract for the second underground segment of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. |publisher=Metrolinx |date=February 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221222903/https://www.metrolinx.com/en/news/second-tunnelling-contract-awarded-for-eglinton-crosstown-west-extension | archive-date=February 21, 2024 |url-status=live }}

==Stations, rails and systems==

On March 25, 2024, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario issued an RFQ for the stations, rails and systems contract.{{Cite web |last=Callan |first=Isaac |date=March 25, 2024 |title=Ford government prepares to build stations for Eglinton Crosstown West Extension |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10382446/eglinton-west-extension-station-contract-rfq/ |access-date=March 27, 2024 |website=Global News |language=en-US}} This design–build contract will involve:{{Cite web |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension – Stations, Rail and Systems |url=https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/what-we-do/projectssearch/eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/ |access-date=March 27, 2024 |website=Infrastructure Ontario |language=en}}

  • Construction of seven stations between Mount Dennis and Renforth (four underground, two elevated, and one at grade)
  • {{Convert|9.2|km|adj=on}} installation of rail track, signalling and train control systems, electrification, communications and other equipment
  • Testing and commissioning of the line following construction

On September 27, 2024, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario issued an RFP to the following teams: Integrated Transit Partners (Sacyr, NGE, Siemens, Hatch, Egis, WWP); Trillium Rail Partners (Amico, Alberici, Acciona, WSP); and WestEx Transit Solutions (Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Pomerleau, Dragados, Arcadis). The successful proponent will be invited into a 2-year design development phase with Metrolinx, anticipated to begin in mid-2025 so as to finalize pricing, scheduling, and scoping to reduce the risk of the project before major construction begins.

= Extension to Pearson Airport =

A further extension would take the line to Toronto Pearson International Airport. {{As of|2024|03}}, the route for this extension has not been finalized, with a conceptual route heading north, crossing Highway 401, then following Highway 427 north before turning west towards the airport terminals.{{Cite web |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/projects-and-programs/eglinton-crosstown-west-extension |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=www.metrolinx.com |language=en}} Metrolinx is working with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority on the project.{{Cite web |title=Progress updates |url=https://www.torontopearson.com/en/community/supporting-communities/building-better-transit/our-progress |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=Pearson Airport |language=en |quote=We’re continuing to work with Metrolinx and all levels of government to advance planning and design for the proposed connection of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension to Toronto Pearson.}}{{Cite web |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.FAQs |url=https://www.metrolinx.com/en/projects-and-programs/eglinton-crosstown-west-extension/faqs |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=www.metrolinx.com |language=en}} The initial business case indicates intermediate stations at Convair and Silver Dart, with the terminus at Pearson Airport's planned Regional Transit Hub.{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2020 |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Initial Business Case |url=https://assets.metrolinx.com/image/upload/v1668540646/Images/Metrolinx/2020-02-28_ECWE_IBC.pdf |website=Metrolinx Business Cases |publisher=Metrolinx}}{{Cite web |title=Building better transit |url=https://www.torontopearson.com/en/community/supporting-communities/building-better-transit |website=Toronto Pearson |publisher=Toronto Pearson International Airport}}

Route

=Right-of-way=

File:Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown - Green Track.png segment from a Line 5 Eglinton light rail vehicle at Birchmount Road]]

File:Birchmount green track.jpg

Line 5 Eglinton will mostly run underground for {{convert|21|km|abbr=on}} from Renforth Drive to just east of Don Mills Road, with elevated sections across the Humber River and Black Creek valleys, as well as short at-grade sections at Renforth and Sunnybrook Park. East of Don Mills Road, it rises to the surface to continue another {{convert|6|km|abbr=on}} to end at Kennedy station.{{cite web |url=http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/eglinton_crosstown_lrt/index.htm |title=City of Toronto: Get Involved > Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) > Frequently Asked Questions > Stations and Stops |publisher=City of Toronto |date=August 20, 2011 |access-date=October 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021061801/http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/eglinton_crosstown_lrt/index.htm |archive-date=October 21, 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2020/03/metrolinxs-eglinton-west-lrt-business-case-goes-underground |title=Metrolinx's Eglinton West LRT Business Case Goes Underground |work=UrbanToronto |first=Robert |last=Mackenzie |date=March 17, 2020 |access-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203230017/https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2020/03/metrolinxs-eglinton-west-lrt-business-case-goes-underground |url-status=live}} The central section will have {{convert|46.6|km}} of track, including six double crossovers, five mono-directional crossovers and three pocket tracks.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/04/29/crosstown-projects-sees-new-track-brought-in-for-light-rail-vehicles/ |title=Crosstown projects sees new track brought in for light rail vehicles |publisher=Metrolinx |date=April 29, 2021 |access-date=April 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429190019/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/04/29/crosstown-projects-sees-new-track-brought-in-for-light-rail-vehicles/ |archive-date=April 29, 2021}} Additional crossovers for west extension will be located west of Jane station and east of Renforth station. When the line is extended further west to the airport, there will be an additional crossover on the west side of Renforth station. Both Jane and Renforth stations will have pocket tracks.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLHtUTYBAu0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/jLHtUTYBAu0 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live |title=Eglinton Crosstown West Extension - LIVE Meeting |publisher=Metrolinx |date=August 19, 2021 |page=0:28:33–0:30:37}}{{cbignore}}

Parts of the surface route will use "green track", that is, track with vegetation growing beside and between the rails. Green track will be used between the Brentcliffe Road tunnel portal (western end of the surface route) and Birchmount Road (Birchmount stop in the east end) with paved gaps at intersections, surface stops and the underground {{stl|TTC|Don Valley}} (formerly Science Centre) station.{{cite web |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/science-centre-station-and-west-at-grade-sunnybrook-park-stop-to-oconnor-stop-o |title=Science Centre Station and West At-Grade (Sunnybrook Park Stop to O'Connor Stop) Open House |publisher=Metrolinx |pages=29 |date=November 14, 2017 |access-date=November 14, 2017 |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116074929/http://www.thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/science-centre-station-and-west-at-grade-sunnybrook-park-stop-to-oconnor-stop-o |url-status=live}} Each section of green track will have irrigation chambers, a water supply, and an energy source for the irrigation system. Green track will dampen train sounds, absorb runoff water, reduce ambient temperatures in summer and minimize the spread of dust.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/08/04/the-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-is-going-green/ |title=The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is going green |publisher=Metrolinx |date=August 4, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831014541/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2021/08/04/the-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-is-going-green/ |url-status=live}}

Surface stops will be located at accessible, signalized intersections, and will have a transparent design for passenger security. Platforms will have a signpost bearing the stop's name, a barrier along the road to protect waiting passengers, Presto machines, screens displaying the next vehicle arrival time and advertising, platform illumination and covered waiting shelters with benches and a passenger assistance intercom. The platforms will be designed for level boarding.

=Stations and stops=

{{wide image|File:Line 5 Eglinton route.svg|1000px|caption=Schematic map of Line 5 Eglinton (orange; with thin line representing street-running sections), including the later westerly extension to Renforth (dark orange). Also shown are portions of the Scarborough Subway Extension (dark green) north and east of {{stl|TTC|Kennedy}}, the Ontario Line (blue), and the former Line 3 Scarborough (dashed grey), which was decommissioned in 2023.}}

class="wikitable"

! Station/stop{{cite web |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/stations_stops |publisher=Metrolinx |title=Stations and Stops |access-date=January 10, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114172547/http://thecrosstown.ca/stations_stops |url-status=live}} !! Type !! Notes

colspan="3" |Under construction (phase 1)
{{stl|TTC|Mount Dennis}}

| Surface

| Located east of Weston Road; direct connection to {{rint|gotransit|rail|D}} Kitchener line, {{rint|toronto|up}} Union Pearson Express

{{stl|TTC|Keelesdale}}

| Underground

| Located at Keele Street

{{stl|TTC|Caledonia}}

| Underground

| Future connection to {{rint|gotransit|rail|E}} Barrie line; indirect connection to Beltline Trail

{{stl|TTC|Fairbank}}

| Underground

| Located at Dufferin Street

{{stl|TTC|Oakwood}}

| Underground

|

Cedarvale (Eglinton West)

| Underground

| Connection to {{rint|toronto|1}} Yonge–University at the existing Eglinton West station, to be renamed Cedarvale when Line 5 opens{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |title=Eglinton West station to become 'Cedarvale' because of Crosstown LRT |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/11/24/eglinton-west-to-become-cedarvale-station-on-crosstown-lrt.html |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |access-date=November 24, 2015 |date=November 24, 2015 |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124203734/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/11/24/eglinton-west-to-become-cedarvale-station-on-crosstown-lrt.html |url-status=live}}

{{stl|TTC|Forest Hill}}

| Underground

| Located at Bathurst Street

{{stl|TTC|Chaplin}}

| Underground

| Indirect connection to Beltline Trail

{{stl|TTC|Avenue}}

| Underground

| Located at Avenue Road

{{stl|TTC|Eglinton}}

| Underground

| Located at Yonge Street; connection to {{rint|toronto|1}} Yonge–University

{{stl|TTC|Mount Pleasant}}

| Underground

| Located at Mount Pleasant Road

{{stl|TTC|Leaside}}

| Underground

| Located at Bayview Avenue

{{stl|TTC|Laird}}

| Underground

|

Sunnybrook Park

| On-street

| Parallel side platforms located at Leslie Street{{cite web |title=Leslie Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/leslie-stop |website=The Crosstown.ca |date=January 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008140223/http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/leslie-stop |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2017 |url-status=live}}

{{stl|TTC|Don Valley}}

| Underground

| Located at Don Mills Road; future connection to Ontario Line

Aga Khan Park & Museum

| On-street

| Parallel side platforms located on the west side of the Don Valley Parkway, near its namesake Aga Khan Park and Aga Khan Museum.{{cite web |url=https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/aga-khan-eglinton |title=Aga Khan & Eglinton |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=November 3, 2017 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918225713/https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/aga-khan-eglinton |url-status=dead}}

Wynford

| On-street

| Parallel side platforms located in the Don Mills neighbourhood just west of the bridge over Wynford Drive{{cite web|title=Wynford Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/wynford-stop |website=Eglinton Crosstown |date=February 27, 2017 |access-date=November 4, 2017}}

Sloane

| On-street

| Centre platform located in the Victoria Village neighbourhood at Bermondsey Road and Sloane Avenue.{{cite web|title=Bermondsey Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/bermondsey-stop |website=Eglinton Crosstown |date=January 14, 2016 |access-date=November 4, 2017}}

O'Connor

| On-street

| Parallel side platforms located in the Golden Mile neighbourhood between Victoria Park Avenue and Eglinton Square.{{cite web|title=Victoria Park Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/victoria-park-stop |website=Eglinton Crosstown |date=May 11, 2018 |access-date=April 28, 2020}}

Pharmacy

| On-street

| Parallel side platforms located in the Golden Mile neighbourhood at Pharmacy Avenue{{cite web|title=Pharmacy Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/pharmacy-stop |website=Eglinton Crosstown |date=May 10, 2018 |access-date=April 28, 2020}}

Hakimi Lebovic

| On-street

| Far-side platforms located in the Golden Mile neighbourhood at Hakimi and Lebovic Avenues.{{cite web|title=Lebovic Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/lebovic-stop |website=Eglinton Crosstown |date=December 3, 2015 |access-date=November 6, 2017}}

Golden Mile

| On-street

| Far-side platforms located in the Golden Mile neighbourhood at Warden Avenue.{{cite web|title=Golden Mile (formerly Warden) Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/warden-stop |website=Eglinton Crosstown |date=January 14, 2016 |access-date=November 6, 2017}}

Birchmount

| On-street

| Parallel side platforms located in the Ionview neighbourhood at Birchmount Road{{cite web|title=Birchmount Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/birchmount-stop |website=Eglinton Crosstown |date=December 3, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}

Ionview

| On-street

| Parallel side platforms located at Ionview Road{{cite web|title=Ionview Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/ionview-stop |work= Eglinton Crosstown|publisher= Metrolinx |date=December 5, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2017}}

{{stl|TTC|Kennedy}}

| Underground

| Connection to {{rint|toronto|2}} Bloor–Danforth and {{rint|gotransit|rail|G}} Kennedy GO Station for Stouffville line

colspan="3" |Under construction (phase 2)
Renforth

| Open trench

| Located on the north side of the existing bus rapid transit station at the eastern terminus of the Mississauga Transitway

Martin Grove

| Underground

| Located on north side of Eglinton at the northeast corner with Martin Grove Road

Kipling

| Underground

| Located under Eglinton on the west side of Kipling Avenue with an entrance at the northwest corner and an emergency exit at the west end of the platform

Islington

| Underground

| Located on north side of Eglinton at the northeast corner with Islington Avenue

Royal York

| Underground

| Located on north side of Eglinton at the northwest corner with Royal York Road

Scarlett

| Elevated

| Located on north side of Eglinton above Scarlett Road

Jane

| Elevated

| Located on north side of Eglinton above Jane Street

==Station names==

In the planning stages for Line 5 Eglinton, many stations and stops were given working names identical or similar to names of existing subway stations or GO Transit stations within Toronto. On November 23, 2015, a report to the TTC Board recommended giving a unique name to each station within the subway system, including those on Line 5. Thus, several stations with non-unique working names were renamed mostly after the neighbourhoods these stations serve, even those which will be comparatively simple on-street surface stops: Weston (renamed Mount Dennis), Keele (Keelesdale), Dufferin (Fairbank), Bathurst (Forest Hill), Oriole Park (Avenue), Bayview (Leaside), Leslie (Sunnybrook Park), Don Mills (Science Centre), Victoria Park (O'Connor) and Warden (Golden Mile).{{cite web |url=https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/eglinton-crosstown-line-station-and-stop-names |publisher=Metrolinx |title=Eglinton Crosstown Line Station and Stop Names |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021220535/https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/eglinton-crosstown-line-station-and-stop-names |url-status=dead}}

There were other name changes for on-street stops even though the original names did not conflict with existing station names. The Aga Khan Park & Museum stop was originally named Ferrand after the nearby Ferrand Drive.{{cite web |title=Ferrand Stop |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/ferrand-stop |website=Eglinton Crosstown |date=February 27, 2017 |access-date=November 3, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025055/http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/stations-and-stops/ferrand-stop |url-status=dead}} Sloane was originally intended to be named Bermondsey but was given the name Sloane.

The Hakimi Lebovic stop was originally named Lebovic. Metrolinx changed the name after the TTC noted Hakimi Avenue led to more prominent locations such as Centennial College while support for the Lebovic name remained.{{cite web | url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/01/14/eglinton-crosstown-station-name-sparks-contentious-metrolinx-debate.html | title=Eglinton Crosstown station name sparks contentious Metrolinx debate | work=Toronto Star | date=January 15, 2016 | access-date=January 15, 2016 |last=Kalinowski |first=Tess}} Metrolinx later named the station in honour of both businessmen Joe Lebovic and Karim Hakimi, whom the streets are named after.{{cite news |last1=Palamarchuk |first1=Andrew |title=Metrolinx honours businessmen Karim Hakimi and Joe Lebovic |url=https://www.toronto.com/news-story/8595886-metrolinx-honours-businessmen-karim-hakimi-and-joe-lebovic/ |access-date=May 25, 2021 |work=Toronto.com |date=May 9, 2018}}

Despite its unique name, Eglinton West station will be renamed Cedarvale after its surrounding neighbourhood to avoid confusion with Eglinton station.{{cite web |url=http://ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2015/November_23/Reports/Eglinton_Line_Station_Names__Combined_Report.pdf |title=Line 5 Eglinton Station Names |date=November 23, 2015 |work=Board Presentation |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |quote=In order to reduce confusion with Eglinton Station and Line 5 Eglinton, Eglinton West Station will be renamed. ... TTC staff evaluated the initial report and the proposed names and provided feedback and recommendations. A primary TTC concern was to avoid replication and redundancy with existing TTC station names. The proposed names are unique and are not likely to be confused with existing station names. |access-date=November 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831143710/http://ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2015/November_23/Reports/Eglinton_Line_Station_Names__Combined_Report.pdf | archive-date=August 31, 2021}} Eglinton station is not expected to be renamed "Eglinton–Yonge" (as was the case with Sheppard–Yonge station, which was named "Sheppard" before Line 4 Sheppard opened) given that Eglinton station is located in the former village of Eglinton.{{Cite web|url=https://transittoronto.ca/subway/5110.shtml|title=The Sheppard Subway - Transit Toronto - Content|website=transittoronto.ca|access-date=May 16, 2023|archive-date=May 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511135419/https://transittoronto.ca/subway/5110.shtml|url-status=live}}

After the permanent closure of the Ontario Science Centre's location in Don Mills in June 2024, there was discussion about renaming Science Centre station.{{Cite news |last=Colin |first=D'Mello |date=April 20, 2023 |title=Ford government to rename Science Centre subway station in Toronto |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9638547/ontario-government-to-rename-science-centre-subway-station-ttc/ |access-date=April 20, 2023 |work=Global News}}{{Cite web |last1=Benzie |first1=Robert |last2=Ferguson |first2=Rob |date=June 21, 2024 |title=Ford government closing Ontario Science Centre today after report found roof in danger of collapsing |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/ford-government-closing-ontario-science-centre-today-after-report-found-roof-in-danger-of-collapsing/article_3e7a8442-2fd8-11ef-9c00-03276c11fe83.html |access-date=June 21, 2024 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}} In March 2025, the station was renamed Don Valley.{{Cite news |last=Colin |first=D'Mello |date=March 28, 2025 |title=Metrolinx renaming Eglinton Crosstown LRT's Ontario Science Centre station |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/11101377/metrolinx-to-rename-eglinton-crosstown-lrts-ontario-science-centre-station/ |access-date=March 28, 2025 |work=Global News}}

As of 2025, alternate names for stations along the under-construction western extension at cross streets (Kipling Avenue, Islington Avenue, Royal York Road, Jane Street, and Martin Grove Road) that conflict with the names of existing or unopened stations or stops on Line 2 Bloor–Danforth and Line 6 Finch West had not been announced.

==Public art==

File:Oakwood Station Main Entrance.jpg|alt=Main entrance of Oakwood station depicting a photograph of colourful pick-up sticks on a white background]]

{{See also|Toronto subway public art}}

As part of the Crosstown project, six stations along Line 5 Eglinton{{snd}}{{stl|TTC|Mount Dennis}}, {{stl|TTC|Caledonia}}, Cedarvale (Eglinton West), Eglinton, {{stl|TTC|Don Valley}} and {{stl|TTC|Kennedy}}{{snd}}will feature eight artworks. These stations were chosen because they are all interchange stations expected to host higher passenger volumes. Some of the other stations feature other artwork, such as a photograph of pick-up sticks on a white background at Oakwood station.

All artworks will be integrated into station design and construction rather than being stand-alone pieces. Because of the controversy surrounding the artwork LightSpell at Line 1's Pioneer Village station, in which commuters could have displayed inappropriate messages that violate TTC By-Law No. 1, none of the Line 5 artworks will be interactive. The art budget is about $10{{nbsp}}million. About $1{{nbsp}}million of that budget will be used for digital art to appear on screens at stations along the line.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2018/01/15/art-installations-will-enliven-eglinton-crosstown-lrt.html |title=Art installations will enliven Eglinton Crosstown LRT |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=January 18, 2018 |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118061449/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2018/01/15/art-installations-will-enliven-eglinton-crosstown-lrt.html |url-status=live}}

Operations

Operating characteristics of the line include:

  • There will be three types of train control on the line. Automatic train control (ATC) without a driver onboard is used within the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility. In the underground segment between Mount Dennis and Laird stations, a driver will operate train doors and push a button to depart a station, with ATC controlling the train until the next station. Between Laird and Kennedy stations, the driver controls all train functions.{{cite news |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/12/09/how-will-the-eglinton-crosstown-lrts-automatic-train-control-work-we-break-down-every-major-element-in-an-infographic/ |title=How will the Eglinton Crosstown LRT's automatic train control work? We break down every major element in an infographic |newspaper=Metrolinx News |publisher=Metrolinx |date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109215906/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/12/09/how-will-the-eglinton-crosstown-lrts-automatic-train-control-work-we-break-down-every-major-element-in-an-infographic/ |archive-date=January 9, 2020}}{{cite web |author-link=Steve Munro |last=Munro |first=Steve |url=http://stevemunro.ca/2013/06/17/metrolinx-announces-design-changes-and-public-meetings-on-eglinton-lrt/ |title=Metrolinx Announces Design Changes and Public Meetings on Eglinton LRT (Update 8) |date=June 17, 2013 |publisher=Steve Munro |access-date=June 17, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304012121/http://stevemunro.ca/2013/06/17/metrolinx-announces-design-changes-and-public-meetings-on-eglinton-lrt/ |url-status=live}}
  • On the surface, the line will have dedicated right-of-way transit lanes separate from regular traffic and usage of priority signalling at intersections to ensure certainty in travel times – unlike the streetcars in downtown Toronto and southern Etobicoke or on St. Clair Avenue in midtown Toronto.
  • Light rail vehicles and subways can both travel up to {{Convert|80|km/h|mph}}. However, actual speed is determined by the spacing of the stops and the dwell times at stops. Line 5 vehicles will have an average speed of {{Convert|28|km/h|mph}}. As a comparison, the average speed of the Line 2 Bloor–Danforth subway is {{Convert|32|km/h|mph}}. The maximum operating speed will be {{Convert|80|km/h|mph}} on the tunnelled portion of the line and {{Convert|60|km/h|mph}} on the street-level sections.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/05/06/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-vehicles-hit-top-speeds-as-testing-continues/ |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT vehicles hit top speeds |publisher=Metrolinx |date=May 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506161100/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/05/06/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-vehicles-hit-top-speeds-as-testing-continues/ |archive-date=May 6, 2022 |url-status=live}}
  • The projected ridership of the line is 5,400 passengers per hour in the peak direction by 2031, but the capacity of the vehicles is 15,000 passengers per hour per direction.
  • The surface section of the line will run on a proof-of-payment system but the underground stations will have subway-type fare gates and staff; Presto cards will be available for use across the entire line.{{cite web |publisher=TTC/City Of Toronto |url=https://thecrosstown.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/reports/Crosstown-LRT-Environmental-Project-Report/chapter-3-project-description-sections-3-1-to-3-4.pdf |title=Eglinton Crosstown Environmental Report |date=March 2010 |access-date=April 8, 2019 |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526024130/http://thecrosstown.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/reports/Crosstown-LRT-Environmental-Project-Report/chapter-3-project-description-sections-3-1-to-3-4.pdf |url-status=live}}
  • Metrolinx requires 76 Flexity Freedom LRVs to operate the line.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/07/20/metrolinx-threatens-legal-action-over-late-delivery-of-light-rail-vehicles.html |title=Metrolinx threatens legal action over late delivery of light rail vehicles |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720112525/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/07/20/metrolinx-threatens-legal-action-over-late-delivery-of-light-rail-vehicles.html |url-status=live}}
  • Annual operating and maintenance costs are estimated to be $80{{nbsp}}million upon opening of the line. However, fare revenue and the costs saved by eliminating Eglinton bus service would result in a net annual cost of $39{{nbsp}}million.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/31/report-outlines-steep-costs-of-running-new-toronto-transit-lines.html |title=Report outlines steep costs of running new Toronto transit lines |newspaper=Toronto Star |first1=Ben |last1=Spurr |first2=Jennifer |last2=Pagliaro |date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=October 31, 2016 |archive-date=November 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101102116/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/31/report-outlines-steep-costs-of-running-new-toronto-transit-lines.html |url-status=live}}
  • There will a total of 12 crossovers along the line to reverse LRT trains—seven at underground stations and five on the surface section. Avenue and Laird stations will also have a storage track (with Laird having both) that trains can enter and exit in either direction. The storage tracks will accommodate a train in case of an emergency or change in service as well as allowing for a change of direction.{{cite web |url=http://mailchi.mp/metrolinx/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-updates?e=67918bdda5 |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT Updates – July 2017 |publisher=Metrolinx |date=July 14, 2017 |access-date=July 14, 2017 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430151412/https://mailchi.mp/metrolinx/eglinton-crosstown-lrt-updates?e=67918bdda5 |url-status=live}}
  • Line 5 will use a guideway intrusion detection system (GIDS) to detect trespassers on the tracks on the underground sections of the line. When GIDS detects a trespasser on the tracks, it will issue an audio warning to the trespasser, provide live CCTV video to central control, and automatically stop the train without driver intervention. Each station will have ten GIDS scanners, five on each side of the platform. There will also be GIDS scanners at each tunnel portal. In addition, there will be three scanners within the yellow tactile strips at each platform edge to issue an audio warning if a person steps on it before the train has arrived.{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/05/31/metrolinx-enhances-platform-safety-on-eglinton-crosstown-lrt/ |title=Metrolinx enhances platform safety on Eglinton Crosstown LRT |publisher=Metrolinx |date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601210122/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/05/31/metrolinx-enhances-platform-safety-on-eglinton-crosstown-lrt/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |url-status=live}}

=Rolling stock=

{{see also|Bombardier Flexity Freedom#Toronto}}

File:Flexity Freedom Eglinton LRT Vehicle.jpg vehicles at the Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility during Doors Open 2019]]

As the line is owned by the province of Ontario, Metrolinx chose the Bombardier Flexity Freedom light rail vehicle, which uses standard gauge rather than the TTC's own slightly larger gauge. Metrolinx wanted to avoid using a custom gauge in order to secure a better price from the manufacturer and to create a standard for other light-rail projects in the province.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/746626--transit-city-measures-up-to-international-standard |title=Transit City measures up to international standard |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019162046/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/746626--transit-city-measures-up-to-international-standard |url-status=live}} The vehicles have an operator's cab at only one end of the vehicle; thus, the LRVs must be run in back-to-back coupled pairs.{{cite web |url=https://transit.toronto.on.ca/streetcar/4524.shtml |title=The Toronto Flexity Freedom Light Rail Vehicles |work=Transit Toronto |first=James |last=Bow |date=June 13, 2019 |access-date=February 22, 2020}} Trains will use automatic train control within the tunnelled portion of the line. Like the Flexity Outlook vehicles Bombardier built for the TTC's streetcar system, initial work building the chassis was performed at Bombardier's Mexican plant in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo, with final assembly at Bombardier's plant in Thunder Bay.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/03/02/metrolinx-talking-with-another-supplier-for-eglinton-crosstown-vehicles-amid-bombardier-legal-battle.html |title=Metrolinx in talks with another company to replace Bombardier vehicles as fears mount over $500,000 a day late fees |work=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=March 2, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2017 |archive-date=April 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410050416/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/03/02/metrolinx-talking-with-another-supplier-for-eglinton-crosstown-vehicles-amid-bombardier-legal-battle.html |url-status=live}}

In 2010, Metrolinx ordered 182 Flexity Freedom vehicles not only for Line 5 but for other light-rail projects in Ontario. The first two deliveries were expected in the second quarter of 2015 but had not arrived by May 2017. After being unsure if a timely delivery of the Bombardier vehicle order could be relied upon, Metrolinx reduced the Bombardier order from 182 to 76 to supply just Line 5 and made a contingency order with Alstom for 61 Citadis Spirit vehicles, of which 44 would be for Line 5 and the remaining 17 for Line 6 Finch West.{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2017/05/12/province-had-no-choice-but-to-seek-bombardier-substitute-for-eglinton-lrt-del-duca.html |title=Province had no choice but to seek Bombardier substitute for Eglinton LRT: Del Duca |last=Spurr |first=Ben |date=May 12, 2017 |access-date=May 12, 2017 |website=Toronto Star |archive-date=May 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512161742/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2017/05/12/province-had-no-choice-but-to-seek-bombardier-substitute-for-eglinton-lrt-del-duca.html |url-status=live}} If the Flexity Freedom order did arrive after all, surplus Alstom vehicles would be used on other Metrolinx projects (most likely the Hurontario LRT in Mississauga in Peel Region).{{cite web |title=Metrolinx statement on Alstom/Bombardier |url=http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/mediarelations/news/20170512_MetrolinxStatement_AlstomBombardier.aspx |website=Metrolinx |access-date=May 12, 2017 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922011616/https://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/mediarelations/news/20170512_MetrolinxStatement_AlstomBombardier.aspx |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/05/13/how-do-ttcs-streetcar-options-compare-its-bombardier-versus-alstom.html |title=How do TTC's streetcar options compare? It's Bombardier versus Alstom |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=May 13, 2017 |access-date=May 13, 2017 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142349/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/05/13/how-do-ttcs-streetcar-options-compare-its-bombardier-versus-alstom.html |url-status=live}} On October 30, 2018, Bombardier announced that the first Flexity Freedom vehicle had completed its in-house testing and would be delivered for on-site testing in Toronto in November 2018. However, the first vehicle arrived late, on January 8, 2019.{{cite web |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/01/08/bombardier-delivers-first-lrv-for-eglinton-crosstown-on-track-for-ttc-streetcar-delivery/ |title=Bombardier delivers first LRV for Eglinton Crosstown, on track for TTC streetcar delivery |newspaper=CityNews |date=January 8, 2019 |access-date=January 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109155504/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/01/08/bombardier-delivers-first-lrv-for-eglinton-crosstown-on-track-for-ttc-streetcar-delivery/ |url-status=live}} As a commissioning test, each vehicle must travel at least {{convert|600|km|abbr=on}} before accepting passengers.

=Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility=

File:LRV on car-wash track at EMSF.jpg LRV on the car-wash track at the EMSF]]

{{main|Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility}}

A maintenance and storage facility is required for Line 5, given the new technology employed, track gauge and the number of vehicles ordered. The Eglinton Maintenance and Storage Facility will have storage for 162 Flexity Freedom LRT vehicles and have extensive maintenance facilities to keep them running smoothly.{{cite web |url=http://thecrosstown.ca/node/402?device=desktop |title=Keele Street to Jane Section and Black Creek Maintenance & Storage Facility Environmental Project Report Addendum Online Consultation |date=2016 |publisher=Metrolinx |quote=Ultimate storage yard capacity of 162 vehicles; |archive-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725202126/http://thecrosstown.ca/node/402?device=desktop |url-status=live}} The facility is being built near the line's western terminus at Mount Dennis station on lands formerly occupied by Kodak's Toronto campus{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/down-but-not-out-mount-dennis-area-pins-hopes-on-metrolinx/article5614315/ |title=Down (but not out) Mount Dennis area pins hopes on Metrolinx |work=The Globe and Mail |first=John |last=Lorinc |date=November 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113854/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/down-but-not-out-mount-dennis-area-pins-hopes-on-metrolinx/article5614315/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2013 |quote=A sprawling storage and maintenance facility for the light-rail vehicles will be built on the Kodak site within a few years.}}{{cite news |url=http://stevemunro.ca/2010/02/17/eglinton-lrt-trouble-brewing-in-mt-dennis/ |title=Eglinton LRT: Trouble Brewing in Mt. Dennis (Update 2) |first=Steve |last=Munro |author-link=Steve Munro |date=February 17, 2010 |archive-date=March 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304010743/http://stevemunro.ca/2010/02/17/eglinton-lrt-trouble-brewing-in-mt-dennis/ | url-status=live |quote=Some speakers addressed the use of the Kodak lands for the proposed carhouse, and asked that alternative schemes be considered. Part of this relates to a proposed "big box" development on the land. However, Council approved the acquisition of this property, by expropriation if necessary, in December.}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/02/16/residents_ask_ttc_for_lrt_tunnel_through_mount_dennis.html |title=Residents ask TTC for LRT tunnel through Mount Dennis |work=Toronto Star |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |date=February 16, 2010 |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003203624/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/02/16/residents_ask_ttc_for_lrt_tunnel_through_mount_dennis.html |quote=In addition to the $4.6{{nbsp}}billion the province has committed to the Eglinton LRT, the centrepiece of Toronto's Transit City plan, the TTC also wants to build a carhouse on the old Kodak lands in Mount Dennis.}} and near the Mount Dennis bus garage.{{clear}}

<span id="Eglinton East LRT"></span>Eglinton East LRT

{{Main|Eglinton East LRT}}

Under Mayor John Tory, Toronto City Council approved an eastern extension for Line 5 Eglinton on March 31, 2016, and it is a City of Toronto project still in the proposal stage. However, {{as of|2022|05|lc=y|since=y}}, the Eglinton East LRT has become a proposal for a separate line rather than an extension of Line 5.{{rp|1,2}}

Between 2016 and 2021, the City of Toronto proposed that the Eglinton East LRT (EELRT) be an eastward extension of Line 5 Eglinton, extending from Kennedy station to Malvern Town Centre via Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue. By 2022, the city had decided that the EELRT would be a separate, independent line with no rail connection to Line 5 at Kennedy station. Unlike Line 5 Eglinton and its western extension, which are Metrolinx projects, the EELRT is a City of Toronto project.{{cite web |url=https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-226594.pdf |title=Advancing City Priority Transit Expansion Projects – Eglinton East LRT and Waterfront East LRT |publisher=City of Toronto |date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601141513/https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-226594.pdf | archive-date=June 1, 2022 |url-status=live}}

By 2022, city planning staff had concluded a through-service connection with Line 5 at Kennedy station was not feasible as an EELRT tunnel would be only {{convert|2|m}} above the SSE tunnel at Kennedy station, and the SSE tunnel structure would not be strong enough to safely support an EELRT tunnel above it.{{cite web |url=https://ttc-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Public-Meetings/Board/2022/July-14/8_Transit_Network_Expansion_Update.pdf |title=Transit Network Expansion Update |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |date=July 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709121525/https://ttc-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Public-Meetings/Board/2022/July-14/8_Transit_Network_Expansion_Update.pdf | archive-date=July 9, 2022 |url-status=live}}{{rp|24}} As a separate line, the EELRT would use trains {{convert|50|m}} long or less. The EELRT would use its own distinct vehicles (i.e. different from those used on Line 5 Eglinton) in order to better adapt to the line's conditions: no running in tunnels, shorter trains and platforms, and a better ability to climb steeper grades to avoid expensive road infrastructure changes that would otherwise be required if the EELRT were a Line 5 extension.{{rp|8}} It would also connect with Line 2 again at Sheppard Avenue East and McCowan Road.

See also

References

{{reflist

| refs =

{{cite web |url=https://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.bt-20151008-bombardiers-rail-control-division-further-expands-no.bombardiercom.html |title=Bombardier's Rail Control Division Further Expands North American Presence |publisher=Bombardier Transportation |date=October 8, 2015 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109155416/https://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.bt-20151008-bombardiers-rail-control-division-further-expands-no.bombardiercom.html | archive-date=January 9, 2019}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/10/30/first-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-vehicle-to-be-ready-by-november-bombardier-says.html |title=First Eglinton Crosstown LRT vehicle to be ready in November, Bombardier says |work=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 30, 2018 |quote=The company plans to ship the vehicle to Toronto next month, and has a target of delivering five more by mid-February. It intends to supply the entire fleet of 76 vehicles to Metrolinx, the provincial agency that's building the Crosstown, in time for the line's opening. |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031021214/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/10/30/first-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-vehicle-to-be-ready-by-november-bombardier-says.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/metrolinx-rejects-bombardiers-claims-of-laxity-in-wake-of-court-filing/article34025943/ |title=Metrolinx rejects Bombardier's claims of laxity in wake of court filing |work=The Globe and Mail |first=Oliver |last=Moore |date=February 14, 2017 |access-date=February 15, 2017 |quote=A senior person at Bombardier familiar with the process says the company had to go to court after months of behind-the-scenes talks with Metrolinx hit an impasse. |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325094826/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/metrolinx-rejects-bombardiers-claims-of-laxity-in-wake-of-court-filing/article34025943/ |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/announcing-the-winning-names-of-the-tunnel-boring-machine-naming-contest |title=Announcing the winning names of the Tunnel Boring Machine Naming Contest... |publisher=Metrolinx |date=June 5, 2013 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=The most popular set of names were shortlisted and voted on by the public. Thank you to Jason Paris (Dennis and Lea), Graham Gersdorff, Val Dodge and Reiner Kravis (Don and Humber) of Toronto for submitting the winning names! |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805061120/http://thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/announcing-the-winning-names-of-the-tunnel-boring-machine-naming-contest |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/06/eglinton-crosstown-tbms-get-personality-and-send |title=Eglinton Crosstown TBMs get a Personality and a Send-Off |work=Urban Toronto |first=Brandon |last=Leal |date=June 5, 2013 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=In October 2012 Metrolinx announced a near month long contest public contest to name the tunnel boring machines (TBM). |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316191044/http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/06/eglinton-crosstown-tbms-get-personality-and-send |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/City%20Managers%20Office/Transit%20Initatives/SmartTrack/Jan2016/SmartTrack%20Confidential%20Final%20Report%20160119%20with%20Cover%20Memo.pdf |title=SmartTrack Western Corridor Feasibility Review |publisher=City of Toronto |first=Jennifer |last=Keesmaat |author-link=Jennifer Keesmaat |date=January 18, 2016 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=The feasibility review examined heavy rail corridor options from several perspectives: technical requirements for heavy rail, service concept and integration with RER, regulatory requirements for heavy rail, land use compatibility and impacts, and cost. |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103191404/http://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/City%20Managers%20Office/Transit%20Initatives/SmartTrack/Jan2016/SmartTrack%20Confidential%20Final%20Report%20160119%20with%20Cover%20Memo.pdf |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=https://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2016/05/crosstown-tunnelling-reaches-yonge-street.html |title=Crosstown Tunnelling Reaches Yonge Street |publisher=Ministry of Transportation of Ontario |date=May 10, 2016 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=Today Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) Dennis and Lea, boring the western segment tunnels, arrived at Yonge Street having travelled 6,419 metres from where they started at Black Creek Drive in spring 2013. |archive-date=September 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918222105/https://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2016/05/crosstown-tunnelling-reaches-yonge-street.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/temporary-closure-of-holly-street-at-eglinton-avenue-east |title=Temporary Closure of Holly Street at Eglinton Avenue East |publisher=Metrolinx |date=February 24, 2016 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=The extraction shaft is required to be completed in advance of receiving the two TBMs (Don and Humber), which are currently tunnelling westward from their start-point, just east of Brentcliffe Road. |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103155837/http://thecrosstown.ca/news-media/whats-new/temporary-closure-of-holly-street-at-eglinton-avenue-east |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bombardier-court-injunction-1.3976771 |title=Transport minister fires back at Bombardier for court injunction against Metrolinx |work=CBC News |date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=In a statement, Bombardier says the goal of the injunction application is to encourage Metrolinx to {{'}}resume good faith discussions.{{'}} |archive-date=February 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212123933/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bombardier-court-injunction-1.3976771 |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/11/03/metrolinx-to-cancel-bombardier-lrv-contract.html |title=Metrolinx says it intends to cancel Bombardier LRV contract |work=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=November 3, 2016 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=The ministry of transportation confirmed to the Star on Thursday that Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency, has issued a formal notice of intent to terminate its $770-million contract for up to 182 Bombardier LRVs. |archive-date=February 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213001203/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/11/03/metrolinx-to-cancel-bombardier-lrv-contract.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/02/10/bombardier-taking-metrolinx-to-court.html |title=Bombardier taking Metrolinx to court |work=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=Bombardier's legal gambit comes three months after Metrolinx issued the company a notice of intention to cancel its contract for up to 182 light rail vehicles. |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211213039/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/02/10/bombardier-taking-metrolinx-to-court.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2017/02/10/bombardier-taking-metrolinx-to-court-over-threats-to-scrap-a-multi-million-dollar-deal-to-buy-light-rail-vehicles |title=Bombardier taking Metrolinx to court over threats to scrap light-rail vehicle deal |newspaper=Toronto Sun |first=Shaun |last=Jeff |date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=February 12, 2017 |quote=Bombardier filed an injunction Friday with Ontario's Superior Court in response to what the company calls "unjustified threats" to kill a $770-million contract signed in 2010. |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211045507/http://www.torontosun.com/2017/02/10/bombardier-taking-metrolinx-to-court-over-threats-to-scrap-a-multi-million-dollar-deal-to-buy-light-rail-vehicles |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/09/24/eglinton-crosstown-to-open-a-year-later-than-expected.html |title=Eglinton Crosstown to open a year later than expected |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925085914/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/09/24/eglinton-crosstown-to-open-a-year-later-than-expected.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |last1=Kalinowski |first1=Tess |last2=Dale |first2=Daniel |title=Special transit meeting: Mayor Rob Ford dismisses council's vote against his subway plan |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/article/1146793--toronto-transit-sheppard-panel-will-overwhelmingly-endorse-lrt-over-subway-options?bn=1 |date=February 9, 2012 |newspaper=Toronto Star |location=Toronto |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210135522/http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1127975--special-transit-meeting-karen-stintz-readies-motion-to-put-lrt-on-finch-and-eglinton-and-strike-panel-to-study-options-on-sheppard?bn=1 |archive-date=February 10, 2012 |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |last=Winsa |first=Patty |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/03/21/metrolinx_begins_its_big_eastern_dig_on_the_eglinton_crosstown_lrt_get_ready_for_traffic.html |title=Metrolinx begins its big eastern dig on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT: Get ready for traffic |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323202021/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/03/21/metrolinx_begins_its_big_eastern_dig_on_the_eglinton_crosstown_lrt_get_ready_for_traffic.html |archive-date=March 23, 2014 | url-status=live |quote=Parts for the next two tunnel-boring machines to work on digging underground parts of the line — nicknamed Don and Humber — will arrive this summer and be assembled in the shaft, before they start drilling the 3.25-kilometre section west to Yonge St.}}

{{cite news |url=http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/11/metrolinx-awards-contract-crosstown-lrt-east-tunnel-section |title=Metrolinx Awards Contract for Crosstown LRT East Tunnel Section |work=Urban Toronto |first=Jack |last=Landau |date=November 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903141813/http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/11/metrolinx-awards-contract-crosstown-lrt-east-tunnel-section |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |access-date=October 12, 2014 | url-status=live |quote=As tunnel boring machines continue to etch their path eastbound underneath Eglinton Avenue from Keele Street for the western leg of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project, a winning bidder has been announced for the eastern section of tunnel, which will run from Brentciffe Road to Yonge Street, starting just east of the easternmost underground station at Laird Drive.}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/underground-for-now-construction-proceeds-on-eglinton-lrt/article18329883/ |title=Underground for now, construction proceeds on Eglinton LRT |work=The Globe and Mail |first=Oliver |last=Moore |date=April 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221153914/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/underground-for-now-construction-proceeds-on-eglinton-lrt/article18329883/ |archive-date=December 21, 2014 |access-date=January 22, 2015 | url-status=live |quote=Headwalls that will form the box of the stations have been installed at Keele Street and Caledonia Road, and work is under way on one at Dufferin Street. The TBMs go right through headwalls after they have been built, in order to ensure a tight seal, and the two at work in this area are now on either side of what will eventually be the Caledonia LRT station.}}

{{cite news |url=http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/4511845-eglinton-lrt-construction-activity-well-underway-on-both-sides-of-allen-road/ |title=Eglinton LRT: Construction activity well underway on both sides of Allen Road |work=Inside Toronto |first=Rahul |last=Gupta |date=May 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123040311/http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/4511845-eglinton-lrt-construction-activity-well-underway-on-both-sides-of-allen-road/ |archive-date=January 23, 2015 |access-date=January 22, 2015 | url-status=live |quote=Digging 50 feet below street level, the 81-metre long TBMs nicknamed Dennis and Lea are located in the vicinity of Caledonia Road, one of 12 underground Crosstown stations planned for the route. They are expected to reach the Allen later this year, when they will be redeployed beyond Eglinton West subway station to continue the dig east towards Yonge Street.}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2014/04/30/eglinton_crosstown_lrt_back_on_schedule_engineer_says.html |title=Eglinton Crosstown LRT back on schedule, engineer says |work=Toronto Star |first=Tim |last=Alamenciak |date=April 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803105256/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2014/04/30/eglinton_crosstown_lrt_back_on_schedule_engineer_says.html |archive-date=August 3, 2014 |access-date=January 22, 2015 | url-status=live |quote="It's a seemingly simple process that's actually very high tech," said Kramer. The first of the two tunneling machines (dubbed Dennis) entered the ground June of 2013 and has made it to Caledonia Rd. from its starting point at Black Creek Dr. The other machine, Lea, is just behind.}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/04/19/an-exciting-glimpse-at-boring-machines-on-eglinton.html |title=An exciting glimpse at boring machines on Eglinton |work=Toronto Star |first=Olivia |last=Carville |date=April 19, 2015 |access-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122507/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/04/19/an-exciting-glimpse-at-boring-machines-on-eglinton.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://stevemunro.ca/2014/09/16/john-torys-smarttrack-will-that-train-ever-leave-the-station/ |title=John Tory's "SmartTrack": Will That Train Ever Leave The Station? |publisher=Steve Munro |first=Steve |last=Munro |date=September 16, 2014 |access-date=May 5, 2015 |archive-date=May 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061509/http://stevemunro.ca/2014/09/16/john-torys-smarttrack-will-that-train-ever-leave-the-station/ |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://stevemunro.ca/2014/10/17/smarttrack-that-pesky-curve-in-mount-dennis/ |title=SmartTrack: That Pesky Curve in Mount Dennis |publisher=Steve Munro |first=Steve |last=Munro |date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=May 5, 2015 |archive-date=April 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403043603/http://stevemunro.ca/2014/10/17/smarttrack-that-pesky-curve-in-mount-dennis/ |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/04/19/eglinton-businesses-feeling-sting-of-crosstown-construction.html |title=Eglinton businesses feeling sting of Crosstown construction |work=Toronto Star |first=Lauren |last=Pelley |date=April 19, 2015 |access-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109112447/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/04/19/eglinton-businesses-feeling-sting-of-crosstown-construction.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/fact-sheets/light-rail-transit-facts |title=Light Rail Transit Facts |publisher=Metrolinx |date=May 31, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2015 |archive-date=May 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516163903/http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/fact-sheets/light-rail-transit-facts |url-status=live}}

{{cite web |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/the-project/fact-sheets/eglinton-crosstown |title=Eglinton Crosstown Backgrounder |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=November 8, 2013 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803181141/http://thecrosstown.ca/the-project/fact-sheets/eglinton-crosstown |url-status=live}}

{{cite web |url=http://www.thecrosstown.ca/fr/node/739 |title=Document d'information – Eglinton Crosstown |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107103209/http://www.thecrosstown.ca/fr/node/739 |archive-date=November 7, 2019 |language=fr}}

{{cite web |url=http://m.thecrosstown.ca/sites/default/files/mx_crosstowntentcard_final.pdf |title=Transit Facts – Surface Section |publisher=Metrolinx |access-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509161303/http://m.thecrosstown.ca/sites/default/files/mx_crosstowntentcard_final.pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2020}}

{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/05/06/sunnybrook-park-stop-is-more-light-in-crosstown-progress/ |title=Sunnybrook Park stop is more light in Crosstown progress |publisher=Metrolinx |date=May 6, 2019 |access-date=May 14, 2019 |archive-date=May 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509160940/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/05/06/sunnybrook-park-stop-is-more-light-in-crosstown-progress/ |url-status=live}}

{{cite web |url=https://blog.metrolinx.com/2020/05/04/see-video-of-the-first-time-a-light-rail-vehicle-passes-through-a-crosstown-tunnel/ |title=See video of the first time a light rail vehicle passes through a Crosstown tunnel |publisher=Metrolinx |date=May 4, 2020 |access-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509193155/https://blog.metrolinx.com/2020/05/04/see-video-of-the-first-time-a-light-rail-vehicle-passes-through-a-crosstown-tunnel/ |archive-date=May 9, 2020}}

}}