Eglinton Crosstown LRT opening raises questions about project delivery

As Line 5 opens in phases on Feb. 8, experts say years of delays, construction defects and legal disputes have exposed weaknesses in how Toronto plans and contracts major transit projects.

Line 5 of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is beginning phased service, and experts say the opening highlights broader issues about how major transit projects are delivered. The project was long delayed and over budget, and critics point to contracting choices, construction problems and communication shortfalls as key factors. Community members and businesses along the corridor experienced sustained disruption during construction. Public debate now centers on what lessons should shape future projects. Known developments: - The light-rail project began construction in 2011 with a reported $13-billion budget and was originally scheduled to open in 2020; it faced more than 260 construction deficiencies, delays and roughly $1 billion in additional costs. - Metrolinx contracted Crosslinx Transit Solutions in 2015 under a bundled, fixed-price public-private partnership; the project later saw disputes, a 2023 court ruling that favored the consortium, and renewed negotiations between the parties. - Line 5 is opening in phases beginning Feb. 8 with free service on opening day, and the TTC says it will monitor performance and phase in upgrades such as transit signal priority by the second quarter of the year. Summary: The opening of Line 5 is a milestone accompanied by scrutiny over planning, contracting and the long impacts on neighbouring communities and businesses. Experts say operational performance will influence whether public confidence is restored. Undetermined at this time.