Excavation Begins on Four Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Stations as Ontario Advances Major Transit Expansion

Construction reaches another milestone on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, bringing rapid transit closer to Etobicoke, Pearson Airport and Mississauga

TORONTO — Construction has reached another major milestone on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, with excavation now underway at four future underground stations as Ontario continues work on one of the largest public transit expansion projects in North America.

The provincial government announced that crews have begun excavating station boxes at Martin Grove Road, Kipling Avenue, Islington Avenue and Royal York Road, marking significant progress on the 9.2-kilometre extension that will eventually connect Etobicoke and Mississauga to the existing Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

The project forms part of Ontario’s nearly $70 billion investment in public transit, which also includes the Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension and Yonge North Subway Extension.

Why This Story Matters

This announcement represents more than another construction update.

First, beginning excavation at four underground stations signals that one of the GTA’s largest transit projects is moving into a major construction phase, bringing the extension closer to completion.

Second, the project is expected to significantly improve regional mobility by extending rapid transit westward from Mount Dennis to Renforth Drive, creating nearly 30 kilometres of continuous rapid transit along Eglinton Avenue from Scarborough through Midtown Toronto to Mississauga.

Third, the extension is expected to reduce congestion by removing an estimated 6.5 million car trips annually while placing 37,500 residents and 23,600 jobs within walking distance of rapid transit.

Finally, the project supports approximately 4,600 good-paying jobs annually, reinforcing its role as both a transportation and economic development initiative.

Excavation work is now underway at four stations along the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension!

These new stations will put another 37,000 people within walking distance of transit, making it faster and easier to get where they need to go.

Find out more: https://t.co/cfd36x1wF8 pic.twitter.com/W8a6lBRxdh

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) July 10, 2026

Four Underground Stations Enter Major Construction Phase

Station excavation has now begun at:

• Martin Grove Road
• Kipling Avenue
• Islington Avenue
• Royal York Road

Crews will construct the underground station boxes that will form the primary structures for each future station.

Premier Doug Ford said the extension is part of the province’s strategy to support a growing Greater Toronto Area through expanded transit infrastructure.

“As the Greater Toronto Area continues to grow, our government is making historic investments in the largest public transit expansion in North America to support commuters, fight gridlock and protect workers,” Ford said.

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said construction continues to advance across the corridor.

“With shovels in the ground on four of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension stations, we’re helping thousands more Ontarians access employment opportunities and housing while creating jobs that drive economic growth.”

Faster Travel Across the GTA

Once completed, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will extend Line 5 Eglinton by 9.2 kilometres westward, linking Toronto and Mississauga through a continuous east-west rapid transit corridor.

According to the province, commuters travelling between Yonge and Eglinton and Square One in Mississauga could save up to 24 minutes compared with current travel times.

The line will also integrate with:

• TTC bus services
• GO Transit
• UP Express
• MiWay

Seven stations are planned along the extension:

• Jane Street
• Scarlett Road
• Royal York Road
• Islington Avenue
• Kipling Avenue
• Martin Grove Road
• Renforth Drive

Construction Continues Across the Corridor

The latest milestone follows several recent advances across the project.

Crews have completed excavation of the first of two 500-metre tunnels between Pearen Park and Mount Dennis Station.

Construction teams have also completed approximately 85 per cent of the piers that will support the extension’s 1.5-kilometre elevated guideway, while bridge deck construction continues.

Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure, said the project will also support future housing growth through transit-oriented communities.

He noted that planning around the future Martin Grove station includes a proposal for nearly 685 new homes alongside enhanced public spaces.

Regional Leaders Welcome Progress

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said expanding rapid transit remains essential for supporting affordability and reducing congestion across the city.

“The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will make it faster and easier for people to get to work, school and services,” Chow said.

Metrolinx President and CEO Michael Lindsay said excavation at the four stations represents another important milestone following completion of the six-kilometre western tunnel section.

Industry organizations also welcomed the announcement, with the Canadian Urban Transit Association and TRACCS Transit and Rail highlighting the project’s role in improving regional mobility while supporting construction employment.

The Government of Canada is contributing approximately $1.87 billion toward construction of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.

Once complete, the project is expected to become one of the GTA’s most significant east-west transit corridors, connecting Scarborough, Midtown Toronto, Etobicoke, Pearson Airport and Mississauga through a continuous rapid transit line.

---

Stay with GTA Today for continuing coverage of Ontario transit, Metrolinx projects, infrastructure and transportation across the Greater Toronto Area.

Follow us on social media @GTATodayNews for more community news.