First track installed at Ontario's $4.1bn Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Canada

The first track for the C$5.3bn ($4.1bn) Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has been installed, marking a significant step towards providing better transit services to people across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada.

The 19km Eglinton Crosstown LRT is scheduled to open in 2021 and will connect Mount Dennis Station in the west with Kennedy Station in the east.

It will comprise 25 stations, three subway stations, three GO Transit lines and the Union Pearson Express.

The line is also set to feature a 10km underground section between Keele Street and Laird Drive.

A ‘turnout track’ has been installed as part of the 8.5km track system, which will move vehicles through Mount Dennis Station and the adjoining maintenance and storage facility.

Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca said: “The installation of the first piece of track is a significant milestone for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project, it is exciting to see how far we’ve come since work began in 2011.

“The Eglinton Crosstown LRT will bring 19km of new rapid transit across the City of Toronto. This investment will provide fast, efficient, and reliable transit for residents, commuters and visitors in Toronto.”

Once operational, the LRT is expected to carry an estimated 5,500 passengers per hour during peak times, providing a faster travel alternative to commuters in Toronto.

The Government of Ontario is expected to fund the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project in its entirety.