Construction is getting underway to upgrade the Aurora GO station tracks in preparation for bringing all-day, two-way service to the Barrie Line.
Metrolinx and the province have been building toward upgrading the station for several years, along with a series of other upgrades to make the improved service on the train line possible. The province recognized the start of construction Aug. 16.
"Communities in Aurora and across York Region are thrilled to see the Ontario government and its partners investing in critical infrastructure upgrades at Aurora GO Station, which has been an important part of our town for over 160 years,” Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas said in a news release. “These investments will ensure that our growing communities are well-served by their public transit system for generations to come and continue to encourage even more people to rely on public transit to get where they need to go."
The upgrades also include upgrading the rail signal, adding a pedestrian tunnel with elevators, constructing a second platform and adding approximately 380 new parking spaces, with parking additions already underway. It is all toward upping service to all-day, two-way service in the years to come.
“York Region is growing rapidly and every day more families, businesses and commuters are choosing GO transit to get to their destinations,” Ontario Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney said in a news release.
During a meeting with area residents in the spring, Metrolinx spokespersons said residents would not be blinded in any step of the process.
Updates and information about the project are available on the Metrolinx website
"The upgrades at Aurora GO Station will help bring more GO service to York Region, providing residents with more connections and better service that meets the demands of the growing population,” Metrolinx president and CEO Phil Verter said.