Project Profile: Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit, Toronto

The Eglinton Crosstown (Line 5) is a 19-kilometre light rail transit (LRT) line that will run along Eglinton Avenue, forming a key east-west link in Toronto’s integrated transit network. This profile details the project’s complex engineering, which includes a 10-kilometre twin-bored tunnel section through the city’s core, and its role as a cornerstone of Metrolinx’s regional transportation strategy. The project aims to provide faster, more reliable transit, enhance regional connectivity, and support urban densification.

Technical Specifications

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is a multi-modal engineering project featuring at-grade, elevated, and extensive underground sections. A significant portion of the line, 10 kilometres, consists of twin tunnels bored at a depth of 16-20 meters by four Caterpillar Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). This required the excavation of over 1.16 million cubic meters of soil and the installation of 88,500 precast concrete lining segments. The line integrates with existing heavy rail metro (TTC Line 1), regional rail (GO Transit), and 54 surface bus routes across its 25 stations and stops, creating a fully connected mobility hub.

The rolling stock consists of Bombardier (now Alstom) Flexity Freedom light rail vehicles (LRVs), operating on a dedicated right-of-way with priority signaling at intersections to ensure service reliability. Each LRV has a capacity of 163 passengers, with the ability to operate in three-car consists for a total capacity of 490 passengers. The system utilizes a PRESTO-enabled proof-of-payment fare system and incorporates modern accessibility features, including low floors, escalators, and lifts at all underground stations.

Key Takeaways

• Engineering Complexity: The project successfully blends multiple construction methods, from deep tunnel boring beneath a dense urban core to at-grade transitways, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to modern urban rail infrastructure.
• Regional Integration: As a central component of Metrolinx’s “The Big Move” plan, Line 5 is designed not as a standalone line but as a critical east-west artery integrating Toronto’s subway, regional GO trains, and bus networks.
• P3 Delivery Model: Delivered through a Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) public-private partnership (P3) model, the project’s management by the Crosslinx Transit Solutions consortium highlights a collaborative approach to financing and executing large-scale infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Eglinton Crosstown LRT open?

While the project has faced significant construction and testing delays, as of late 2025, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is in the final commissioning phase. Public service is widely anticipated to commence in 2026, pending successful completion of all safety and operational readiness tests.

Who is building the Eglinton Crosstown LRT?

The project is being delivered by Crosslinx Transit Solutions, a major infrastructure consortium. Its partners include SNC-Lavalin, ACS Infrastructure Canada, EllisDon, and Aecon. The project is owned by the provincial transit agency, Metrolinx.