The Government of Ontario and Metrolinx announced today, Friday, August 12, that they are improving the railway overpass at Dufferin Street and Queen Street West as part of GO Transit’s regional express rail (or RER) plan.

Metrolinx is expanding the bridge to accommodate an extra track for GO’s Barrie line, as part of the GO RER program. With RER, GO intends to provide faster and more frequent service on its rail network, including the Union-Pearson Express. It will also electrify major parts of the network. These improvements will also enable the City of Toronto’s SmartTrack plan.

Metrolinx is also partnering with the City to extend the West Toronto Railpath multi-use trail to the West Queen West neighbourhood. The new section of the railpath beside the rail corridor connects cyclists and pedestrians from Dupont Street to just east of Dufferin Street, near Queen Street West. The railpath will also link to the City’s future Dufferin-Peel Park. The park will be a hub for West Toronto Railpath users and will include cycling amenities, landscaping, seating and terraces.