Since taking ownership of the track between Georgetown and Kitchener in 2018, Metrolinx has been completing essential upgrades, which will transform the Kitchener GO Line into a two-way, all day rapid transit line will deliver increased service and connections from Union Station to Kitchener, as part of the GO Expansion program.

Part of these improvements included infrastructure upgrades which will allow for more frequent and convenient train service that runs outside rush hour.

Now that this work is complete, a second track can be replaced between Wellington Street and Silvercreek Parkway.

Improvements safely support higher speeds

To further support GO Expansion in Guelph, work began in spring 2022 on the rehabilitation of the retaining wall between Dublin Street and Wyndham Street.

The retaining wall improvements were designed to ensure the large trees in Waterloo Avenue Park were unaffected.

To accommodate two-way, all-day GO Train service, improvements were also made to the Norfolk Street bridge and the Wilson Street bridge has been fully replaced.

Freight speed limits to increase in Guelph on April 3

Following increased safety measures including the testing of signal improvements that result in the crossing arms, lights, and sounds responding to approaching trains much sooner, passenger train speed limits through the City of Guelph were increased to 72kph.

With the bridge and structure work now completed, the rail corridor can now safely support freight trains moving more quickly through the area, reducing trip times. On April 3, the speed limit for freight trains will be increased through the area to 48 kph.

Actual train speeds will continue to be dictated by operational needs, such as track alignment or travelling though construction zones and may be lower than the posted speed at times.

Rail safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play. For Metrolinx, safety is central to everything the transit agency does. From customers to communities and transit staff – safety matters most.

Stay in the know

Metrolinx is working to deliver more rail service to communities along the Kitchener Line as these important upgrades are made.

For regular updates on the Kitchener Line follow GO Expansion on Twitter and register for regional e-newsletters at metrolinx.com/subscribe.

To reach the community engagement team, contact GuelphWellington@metrolinx.com