Plans have been approved by the provincial government to bury the Eglinton LRT from end to end. The idea of a totally subterranean transit line was the signature concept of Mayor Rob Ford’s new transit scheme for Toronto. The original plan called for above ground sections at either end of the line. The east end, most affecting South Bayview, would have been above ground east of Leslie. As we have said in previous posts, the underground plan will probably cause much less traffic disruption during the long construction period. The LRT is not fully approved as yet. The proposal also includes an extension of the Sheppard subway line in both directions and the funding for that – an estimated $4.2 billion – is contingent upon on public-private partnership. The total cost of the plan is $12.4 billion. Locally, the LRT plan calls for stations at Laird, Bayview and Mount Pleasant. More.
