Times change.

And with it, so do the way neighbourhoods look, as they evolve and grow with each addition and advancement. So while the new Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) line will not only bring brand new transit to Toronto’s midtown area, it’ll also herald a new streetscape for the blocks that stretch along the route.

The City of Toronto’s Eglinton Connects initiative is part of a plan to improve the Eglinton Avenue streetscape. Widened sidewalks, separated cycle tracks, on-street parking, increased greenery and street furnishings are a few ways that Metrolinx is working with the City of Toronto to renew the station areas once LRT construction is complete.

Here’s a bit of a breakdown of the buildup to those additions.

Metrolinx and constructor, Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS), will be implementing the Eglinton Connects streetscape along Eglinton Avenue in the areas that are being disturbed by the construction of the LRT stations.  In addition, Metrolinx and CTS will extend the new streetscape in between Avenue Road and Yonge Street.

Cyclists can expect raised lanes between Avenue and Yonge, allowing for an easier commute to and from a new Eglinton Crosstown station or other nearby destinations. 

The Eglinton Connects streetscape improvements will be undertaken in two phases. During construction of Eglinton Crosstown LRT, in the area between Avenue Road and Yonge Street, the streetscape work has already started. The restoration plan will be implemented by CTS.

Implementation within the construction zone of the LRT stations will be one of the last things to be installed at conclusion of construction. Expect to see these features in place as construction starts to wind down on the new LRT line.

For other areas (in between stations), the works will be undertaken by the City of Toronto. More info about status and plans are available by clicking here.

While times and transit change, so do the things that help people – and their communities – use both to make life a bit better.