Metrolinx’s first group of Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) light-rail vehicles were delivered from the maintenance and storage facility on the west end to begin their testing journey on Toronto’s east end.
As of May 27, the east portion of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line has received three of the six vehicles expected. The final three will be delivered next week.
The vehicles were delivered on a flatbed truck, with a police escort, one at a time. They started from the maintenance and storage facility in Toronto’s west end and made their way east.
The Crosstown light-rail vehicles are being stored underground, west of Leslie Street. Once all six of the vehicles arrive by next week, they will start undergoing clearance and static testing, which ensures that the vehicle and systems work as intended and properly with each other.
Vehicle testing and commissioning will continue to take place between June and December, with a focus on the area between Science Centre Station and Kennedy Station.
Later this summer, more substantial vehicle testing will take place. In July, crews will be testing vehicles under conditions as if they were in service. This means train cars coupled together, increased speed testing, brake tests and concurrent vehicle testing.
While these are exciting times, Metrolinx officials are reminding all pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists that these are still active construction sites and to continue to exercise caution around these areas.
Keep watching as the other vehicles make their trek to the other side of the LRT route and testing starts along Eglinton in the upcoming months.
