Critical Transit Infrastructure Takes Shape across Lakeshore West Corridor

Two major projects along Metrolinx’s Lakeshore West corridor have reached significant milestones, marking an important step forward for the communities that rely on this vital transit route.

At both the Burloak Grade Separation and Long Branch GO, progress on permanent infrastructure is beginning to reshape how people move through these areas; improving safety, reducing delays, and supporting more reliable service across one of Southern Ontario’s busiest corridors.

“Delivering these milestones under live rail conditions is a testament to the planning, coordination, and commitment of our teams and partners,” said Cameron Coleman, Senior Communications Manager, EllisDon. “At both Burloak and Long Branch, success meant getting it right the first time, ensuring the infrastructure performs exactly as intended from the moment it goes into service.”

Together, these milestones unlock the next phase of work at two of the corridor’s most complex and impactful locations.

Burloak Grade Separation: Unlocking What Comes Next

At Burloak, a busy at-grade rail crossing is being transformed into a grade-separated underpass, allowing traffic to pass beneath the railway.

Once complete, the underpass will eliminate the need for drivers and pedestrians to wait for passing trains, creating a safer and more predictable route through a corridor that continues to see increased demand. For nearby residents and commuters, that means fewer delays, improved safety, and a more efficient connection between communities.

A major milestone was recently achieved as trains were shifted onto their permanent alignment, allowing work below the tracks to move ahead. With this transition complete, construction of the underpass can continue to take shape, bringing the project closer to delivering these long-term benefits.

Long Branch GO: Precision Under Pressure

Further east, progress at Long Branch GO is helping to support more reliable service along one of the busiest stretches of the line.

To enable construction of a new tunnel beneath the tracks, temporary support structures had been put in place while work progressed below. Crews have now successfully transitioned the railway onto its permanent infrastructure, allowing the next phase of station and tunnel work to move forward.

This transition clears the way for continued station improvements and more reliable service through one of the corridor’s busiest stops.

The work was executed within tightly controlled weekend closures, with rail service fully restored each Monday morning. Every step had to be carefully planned and delivered without error to maintain service continuity along one of the region’s busiest corridors.

With permanent tracks now in place, construction can continue on the station and surrounding infrastructure.

A Corridor Moving Forward

With permanent infrastructure established at both Burloak and Long Branch GO, these milestones represent more than technical progress, they mark a transition toward a more reliable, resilient transit corridor for Southern Ontario.

For commuters and communities along the line, that translates into more dependable service, safer crossings, and infrastructure better equipped to support growth for years to come.