Project Spotlight: Stage 2 2025 Lookahead

2024 was a significant year for the O-Train Extension project. We achieved key milestones that have set a strong foundation for more progress in 2025.  We saw track installation begin in the west, train testing in the east, and the successful completion of trial running and preparation for launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 in early 2025. Check out A Year in Review on the O-Train Extension Project, for more details on progress last year!

2025 is already off to an exciting start with the launch of the first O-Train extension to the south. This momentum will continue with more major milestones on the horizon for the O-Train East and West extensions.

Didn’t get a chance to tune into our latest update? The Next Stop Blog has caught up with the Stage 2 team to provide you an overview of upcoming work and important project milestones in 2025.

O-Train West Extension

In 2025, the focus for the West Extension will be to prepare the lines for train testing. Here are the key activities that we’re tracking:
 

• Train testing is anticipated to begin later this spring on a small section of track near the Corkstown Yard Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) close to Moodie Drive.
• Rail installation along the entire West extension is nearly complete with 400 metres remaining.
• Station construction continues to advance.
• Installation of the Overhead Catenary System which supplies trains with power will continue as track installation is completed.
• New trains will continue to be delivered to Corkstown Yard

Queensview Station

Completed section of track and overhead catenary east of Moodie Station.

Alongside the West Extension, the Richmond Road Revitalization Project will also make significant progress. The focus of this project is replacing underground utilities along Richmond Road from McEwen Avenue to Cleary Avenue. In detoured areas, westbound Richmond Road remains open for local access when travelling to and from businesses and residences on the northside of Richmond Road. This work is critical to connect New Orchard Station and Sherbourne Station to new municipal services, replacing aging infrastructure at the end of its useful life, and to improve connectivity for all users travelling to and through the area.

Revitalizing Richmond Road works continue

When complete, Richmond Road will have wider sidewalks and new cycling tracks that will provide multiple connection points to access the new O-Train stations. In 2026, work will then shift to Byron Avenue.

Visual representation of Richmond Road once complete.

As part of this work, Byron Linear Park will be reinstated above the future rail tunnel. This initiative will enhance the area with new pedestrian and cyclist pathways, green spaces, benches, and other amenities, making for a vibrant community hub.

O-Train East Extension

If you have travelled recently between Blair Road and Trim Road, you may have noticed that the O-Train East extension is nearing completion. 2025 is set to be a milestone year for the East Extension, with many key milestones on the horizon. Here is what you can look forward to:

• Train testing and operator training will continue to ramp up from Blair Station to Trim Station.
• Completion of the Trim Park & Ride lot.
• Paving of Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard.
• Completion of new multi-use pathways (MUPs) along Highway 174, including the new 2.7-kilometre MUP between Blair Road and Sir George-Étienne Parkway.
• Trial running and additional launch preparation activities.

Trim Station and Park & Ride

As construction nears completion later this year, the project will focus on preparing for passenger service. Trial running is a key part of the process to ensure the system meets all design specifications and is safe for passengers. Before this, the contractor must achieve substantial completion, confirming all parts of the new system are built as planned. Following trial running, final readiness activities will take place, including safety approvals, and other critical preparations. As we continue to make exciting progress on the East Extension, stay tuned for more updates in the months ahead.

Fare gates installed at Convent Glen Station

With so many milestones still to come, 2025 promises to be another year of tremendous advancement for the O-Train Extension project.

Let us know

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