Major upgrades planned for Ontario’s Barrie line

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The outside of Union Station in Toronto, Ontario. Credit: Mikecphoto/Shutterstock.
The outside of Union Station in Toronto, Ontario. Credit: Mikecphoto/Shutterstock.
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The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario has announced a wave of major upgrades for the Barrie line in order to ease congestion.

Plans include the electrification of the line, a double track expansion and an upgrade to track and signalling. Noise and retaining walls will also be installed.

The number of services will be increased under the changes to bring all-day, evening and weekend service to residents living in the area.

In addition, bridge expansions will take place at Sheppard Avenue West, Major Mackenzie Drive and Yonge Street.

Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx – which owns the line – have began the procurement process by issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to build and finance the Barrie Rail Corridor Expansion – Grading Project.

By 2025, planned service levels on the Barrie GO line includes: two-way service every 15 minutes between Union Station and Aurora Station; two-way service every 60 minutes between Union Station and Allandale Waterfront Station during the midday and evening periods of weekdays, as well as on weekends; and peak-period, peak-direction service on weekdays, at frequencies of every 30 minutes, between Union Station and Allandale Waterfront Station.

Minister of transportation Steven Del Duca said: “Our government is focused on delivering a world-class transit and transportation system that keeps Ontario moving.

“We are making continued progress, as demonstrated with the start of procurement for infrastructure upgrades along the Barrie GO Line.”


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