Is the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project facing another delay?

The Ontario Line project has officially begun, joining the Eglinton Crosstown project in Toronto.

Metrolinx

A disagreement between Metrolinx and Eglinton Crosstown LRT builder Crosslinx is expected to push back the completion date of the light-rail line—again.

Metrolinx sees the line open to the public in 2022, two years later than the original start date. Delays have plagued the 19-km Toronto project. However, a recent decision by the Ontario Superior Court could have the latest completion date scratched. Crosslinx wanted to renegotiate its contract with Metrolinx due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The builder believed the virus created an emergency. The Superior Court agreed, and now Crosslinx could be entitled to a portion of $134 million it has paid in additional costs to protect workers during the pandemic. The emergency also is behind, according to Crosslinx, construction delays.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project began in 2011, and Metrolinx is not providing any updated cost estimates or start dates.

Read more articles on passenger rail.