The Finch West LRT spans 10.3 kilometres, featuring 18 stops along Finch Avenue West and extending from Keele Street to Highway 27 before turning south to reach Humber College’s north campus. It is a game changer for one of the most heavily serviced routes in the region: the 18 light rail trains are electric, emission-free and can carry up to 300 passengers—three times the capacity of a bus and much faster. When in full service, this transit line will integrate with several transportation services, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and transit options in the Peel and York regions.
Bridging the transit gap
The Highway 400 bridge Rehabilitation / Replacement was a major component of the overall project and leveraged rapid bridge replacement (RBR) technology. RBR is a technique that allows bridges to be replaced with minimal traffic disruption, as the replacement bridge is constructed at a site near the bridge set to be replaced. This had significant regional traffic implications, affecting major connections such as Highways 401 and 407, including effectively managing the full brief closure of Highway 400. These are some of North America’s biggest and most heavily trafficked highways.
Enhancing road user safety along the corridor
CIMA+ played a key role in the project, performing three design-stage road safety audits and seven on-site road safety audits during and after construction. Our full scope included the Finch Avenue interchange on Highway 400 with on-ramps and off-ramps, two signalized ramp terminals and active transportation facilities.
Reviewing traffic control plans for construction staging, particularly the complex detours required for the RBR, involved the design of well-coordinated diversions for major road closures. Installing clear, visible and strategically placed signage throughout the Greater Toronto Area was critical to minimizing driver confusion and last-minute lane changes. Special attention was given to active transportation facilities, providing safe accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near high-speed ramps and intersections.
A safer and more inclusive vision for the community
The Finch West LRT will include accessible transit platforms, upgraded streetscapes and improved cycling infrastructure for both safety and convenience. Accessibility considerations, including curb ramps, tactile indicators and safe waiting areas were also integrated into the design to create a safer environment for all road users.
Over the course of the project, more than 2,200 local jobs were created, and $27 million dollars have been invested into the community and businesses.