Metrolinx pushes completion timeline back one year as revised plans scale back original two-way service vision for Barrie line corridor
Aurora GO station upgrades aimed at supporting more frequent Barrie line service have been delayed by roughly a year, according to updates shared at a recent Metrolinx construction liaison committee meeting.
The major infrastructure project, originally expected to be completed in 2026, is now scheduled for substantial completion by December 2027.
Metrolinx said the work remains focused on expanding service capacity and improving the customer experience at the Aurora station.
Planned upgrades include construction of a second track and new west platform, enhancements to the existing east platform, upgraded rail signals, a new passenger pick-up and drop-off area, a new Berczy Street exit, and a new pedestrian tunnel with elevators connecting both platforms.
Committee meeting notes from May 14 also revealed a significant change to earlier plans involving the Yonge Street railway trestle at the south end of Aurora.
Metrolinx had originally proposed widening the trestle to accommodate two tracks. That plan has now been shelved. Instead, the agency will continue operating trains in both directions over the existing single-track structure using scheduled traffic controls.
The revised operating plan will still allow expanded service, though not at the level initially envisioned.
Once construction is complete, GO Transit expects to operate one-way rush-hour service every 15 minutes toward and away from Toronto, with two-way off-peak trains every 30 minutes. Previous long-term plans had called for full two-way, all-day service.
The two-track expansion will terminate just north of the Wellington Street and Centre Street crossings, although Metrolinx said double-tracking remains part of broader future plans for the Barrie corridor.
Additional details shared at the meeting included plans for a 380-space parking lot off Industrial Parkway North near Scanlon Court.
Residents and stakeholders also raised concerns about future traffic congestion around the station area. Metrolinx confirmed a traffic study is underway, with results expected to be shared with the Town of Aurora’s traffic department.
Questions were also raised about the heritage property near the northeast corner of the Wellington Street East rail crossing, with Metrolinx asked to review the site through its heritage department.
Meanwhile, overnight rail maintenance and weekend major track closures will continue through the summer as crews perform rail milling work along the Barrie line.
Additional planned closures are scheduled for May 29 to June 1, and July 24 to 27. During those periods, crews will use specialized equipment to reshape and smooth rail surfaces as part of state-of-good-repair maintenance work.
Metrolinx said residents near the corridor may experience overnight noise and vibration related to construction and rail maintenance activity.
Residents who have questions or concerns can contact Metrolinx at [email protected].
