On April 4, 2023, the first GO Trains on the Barrie Line travelled over the Davenport Diamond on the new guideway, and above the CP freight rail tracks.
The Davenport Diamond in Toronto, ON, was one of the North America’s busiest train intersections. It’s a key economic corridor where passenger rail and freight trains that move goods through the metropolis intersected. The Davenport Diamond refers to the intersection where the Barrie GO passenger corridor meets the CP rail tracks. As Metrolinx connects the GTA region with two-way all-day GO service, it means more trains would be passing through this area and a solution to this congestion problem was needed.
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx chose Graham Commuter Rail Solutions (GCRS) as the preferred proponent to design, build and finance the Davenport Diamond Guideway, part of Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program.
The $175 million Davenport Diamond Guideway project improves service by allowing GO Trains to travel above the Canadian Pacific (CP) tracks, as the guideway enables more trains to run on the corridor. It also improves local pedestrian and bike connections and improves service reliability.
According to Metrolinx, “This project will reduce congestion and enable more pedestrian as well as cyclist connections by enabling GO Trains to seamlessly travel above existing traffic. The project is one of several that will significantly improve service on the Barrie GO Line in preparation for more frequent, two-way, all-day train service in the future.”
Construction on the guideway continues while the detailed design for the Davenport Diamond Greenway is underway. The greenway will be a multi-use trail running alongside landscaping and seating below the guideway and will improve the public space and connections in the neighbourhoods.
Underneath this raised guideway, Metrolinx worked with the local community to create the greenway: new public space that enhances the community experience and that will promote the area as a civic destination.
The Greenway will include:
• Fully accessible multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists
• A sustainable approach to landscaping and plantings
• Beautiful pollinating gardens
• Gathering spaces for the community
These improvements on the Barrie Line are part of the GO Expansion program, which will transform GO rail from a rush-hour service to a more frequent, two-way, all-day rapid transit experience. Foundational work for a second track, as well as other corridor improvements, will make it possible to deliver increased two-way, all-day service.
The Davenport Diamond Guideway project is a critical part of Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program and represents important transit infrastructure that will significantly improve service on the Barrie GO Line.
GO service is expanding to serve you better – with more frequent service, more stations, cleaner technology, and more connections. GO Expansion will transform the GO rail network from a commuter service into an all-day, rapid system.
Source: www.Metrolinx.com
