Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster says “all major construction” on the long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT has been completed and work on the remainder of the project is “relentless.” Although progress is being made, several key issues remain unresolved, he said.
The project was scheduled to be completed in 2020, but the opening has been repeatedly delayed.
Bester told reporters at a news conference Monday afternoon that “a lot of progress” has been made on critical system integration testing since the last press conference on Crosstown in December. At that time, he was 15% complete on these tests, and now he is 50% complete.
Verster said software issues are currently the biggest hurdle to overcome before the line can open.
“My biggest concern is the software deficiencies in the signaling and train control systems and the fixing of those deficiencies by CTS and Alstom,” Verster said. “They are progressing well, but not as quickly as we would like.”
He said testing of the sixth version of the software had begun as of last week, with the seventh version expected to be completed in June.
“Signaling and train control systems are at the heart of keeping trains running punctually and safely, so it is critical that they function properly,” he said.
Once the software system is stable, training will begin for 20 TTC staff, followed by 90 operators.
Another major outstanding issue is obtaining building certificates for various parts of the project.
A construction certificate “really proves that the project was designed correctly, constructed correctly, delivered correctly and tested correctly,” Verster said.
So far, Metrolinx has obtained only one of the 46 construction certificates needed to show the project is properly completed.
Mr Verster said all teams were putting in “huge efforts” to earn their certificates.
Meanwhile, work to obtain the necessary 41 occupancy certificates is progressing well, of which 36 certificates have now been issued, he said. He said some “deficiencies” were still being resolved at the remaining stations, including Eglinton.
Verster reiterated that Metrolinx will provide an opening date once it can confirm that the $12.5 billion line will be completed within three months of opening.
The long-delayed 12-mile Crosstown Line’s opening date has been pushed back multiple times, but Metrolinx has stopped giving a new target date after missing its last announced fall goal.
Procurement begins for Eglinton Crosstown West Expansion
At the same time on Monday, Ontario Transport Minister Prabhmeet Sarkaria announced that the province would begin procuring station, rail and system contracts for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.
“The contract covers the design and construction of all seven stations along the line, including architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical works, installation of tunnels and elevated tracks with tracks and signals, and installation of fare collection systems.” said Sarkaria. .
He said the contract being signed also includes the necessary improvements to the Mount Dennis station to connect the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to the extension.
Once complete, the 9.2-kilometre project will run from the future Mt Dennis LRT station to Renforth Drive and will operate primarily underground, extending rapid transit to Etobicoke and Mississauga.
“Our government recognizes that transportation is a critical driver of economic growth, keeping people moving and connecting people not just to work but to friends and family, medical appointments, schools and more,” Sarkaria said. Stated. “And as we build Ontario for the future, we are leveraging every tool at our disposal to win priority relocation projects as quickly as possible. We can’t afford not to continue investing in the critical infrastructure that generations will rely on. ”
Asked how people can trust that the extension will proceed as planned when Crosstown has been plagued with so many delays and problems, Sarkaria said, “We have learned from past projects. ”, pointing to various other projects currently underway, including the Ontario Line. .
The province said it has also adopted “new measures in the way these projects are procured.”
Once completed, the Eglinton West Extension will connect to other regional transportation operators such as UP Express, GO Transit, TTC, and MiWay bus services and will be able to handle an estimated 69,700 rides per day.
