Metrolinx continues working to enhance Eglinton GO Station, as part of the GO Expansion Program.

Since Thursday, September 23, GO Transit has been improving Eglinton GO Station by enhancing communication and safety features and making the station fully accessible.

As part of this project, starting Monday, November 29, GO is closing the west tunnel permanently while contractors build a new west tunnel. To access the north platform from the south parking lot, use the east tunnel on the south platform.

GO is also closing the west access path from the south parking lot. The path leads to the south platform. The PRESTO fare-payment devices on this access path are also not available.

The south platform remains accessible through the east access path from the south parking lot. A new access path on the west side of the south parking lot will open “in approximately two weeks” (meaning the path remains closed as late as until December 13). GO is relocating the PRESTO fare-payment devices to this new access path. PRESTO self-serve reload machines and ticket-vending machines remain available near the station building on the north side of the station.

To access the north platform from the south parking lot, use the east tunnel on the south platform.

^ Click to enlarge.

Since September 23, the work zone has blocked about 60 parking spaces in the south parking lot. GO has relocated accessible parking spaces to two locations in the south parking lot: directly in front of the new access path to the south platform on the west side and beside the access path to the east tunnel on the east side. GO says, “Plenty of parking is still available at the station.”

GO also slightly relocated the bike shelter to the east in the south parking lot.

Some weekends, construction continues overnight and Metrolinx might close one of the two GO rail tracks. Metrolinx has planned these weekend closures to make sure that passengers can use Eglinton GO Station as normally as possible Mondays to Fridays, when many people rely on this station for their commutes to and from work.

The project to upgrade Eglinton GO Station and make it fully accessible includes:

• installing four new elevators and stairwells on the two side platforms;
• connecting elevators and stairwells to the two previously installed pedestrian tunnels under the rail tracks;
• adding mechanical and electrical rooms for new services in the tunnels;
• installing mini-platforms to enable boarding and exiting accessibility coaches;
• installing accessible route canopies (from elevators to mini-platforms);
• installing digital signage and tactile edge tiles on the platforms;
• building heat-traced ramps to the north platform on the west side and to the east tunnel on the east side;
• building a north vestibule to the east tunnel with seating, automated fare-purchase devices and digital signs;
• rehabilitating the passenger pick-up and drop-off area (or “kiss and ride”).
• relocating shelters;
• widening platforms; and
• repairing, where necessary, to improve the platform area.

^ Eglinton GO Station. Artist’s rendering, final designs are subject to change. Image, Metrolinx

These accessibility upgrades are the second phase of a two-phase project to provide full passenger accessibility to the station building, side platforms, north and south parking lots and the Kiss and Ride.

When contractors complete the Eglinton GO accessibility upgrades project, the station will be fully accessible and comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Accessibility upgrades at Eglinton GO Station support the 251,000 GO passenger boardings at this station each year.

Metrolinx expects to complete construction and offer passengers a fully accessible Eglinton GO Station by “Summer 2024”, meaning as late as until September 30, 2024.

GO is adding barrier-free accessible ramps and walkways with heat-traced ramps for snow melt at Eglinton GO Station. Artist’s rendering, final designs are subject to change. Image, Metrolinx

Metrolinx and GO plan to accommodate more passengers and increase service along the Lakeshore East line, as part of their GO Expansion Program (formerly “regional express rail”).