When the Eglinton Crosstown LRT was first announced in 2007 by Toronto mayor David Miller and TTC chair Adam Giambrone it felt like an exciting beacon of hope for commuters everywhere, albeit one that was more than a decade away. Fast forward almost 13 years and the Crosstown LRT is nearly complete, ready to deliver on its promise to help support “complete communities” in the city through 25 new stations and a faster way to connect from east to west.
Image credit: www.thecrosstown.ca
Ideally positioned in the centre sits 38 Broadway, embracing the past while anticipating the future. When the Crosstown LRT opens its doors in 2021, residents will find it easier than ever to access the best of Toronto from their home in the heart of Yonge and Eglinton.
To celebrate the exciting new transit infrastructure, here are 10 interesting facts about the new route:
- The Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit is a $5.4 billion project that stretches between Weston Road and Kennedy Road and represents the largest expansion of the TTC’s rapid transit network since the 1960s.
- When complete, it will provide 19 kilometres of fast, reliable service and help people cross the city 60% faster!
- From east to west, the Crosstown LRT connects to three subway lines (Yonge-University, Bloor-Danforth, and Scarborough), three GO Stations, 54 bus routes, and the UP Express, reaching out across the entire region.
- Faster than a streetcar, bus, or subway, the Crosstown LRT will move both above and below ground, with a dedicated track, so there’s no getting stuck in traffic.
- The line will include 25 stops between Kennedy in the east and Mount Dennis in the west, offering residents and visitors more options to get to work, run errands, grab a bite, or visit friends across the city.
- Experts agree that the arrival of the LRT will boost real estate values across the entire line, introducing new residences, mixed-use projects, and street front retail.
- The Crosstown LRT is equipped to handle up to 15,000 passengers per hour in either direction.
- There will be 916 bicycle parking spots available across the Crosstown stations, making it easier than ever to reduce your carbon footprint and stay active at the same time.
- 4,000 new trees will be planted as part of the landscaping plans.
- The Crosstown LRT includes a variety of public art installations, offering moments of inspiration on every trip.
Main image credit: www.infrastructureontario.ca/Eglinton-Crosstown-LRT
The Crosstown LRT is scheduled to open in 2021, with the new Eglinton stop just steps from 38 Broadway. For LRT construction progress and milestones visit www.thecrosstown.ca and for more information about 38 Broadway visit https://38broadway.ca/