Metrolinx preps for new GO Transit station, Don Yard project

Metrolinx next week will open the new Gormley GO Transit train station in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Beginning Dec. 5, five morning and five afternoon GO trains will serve the station along the Richmond Hill line.

The station features heated shelters and a platform snowmelt system.

Ontario invested 22 million Canadian dollars to construct the station, which was built to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, according to a press release issued by Ontario's Ministry of Transportation.

"Building the new Gormley GO Station will help us meet the increasing demand for GO rail and bus services," said Ontario Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca.

Meanwhile, Ontario late last week announced plans to improve the Union Station GO rail corridor to better manage congestion.

The improvements include an upgrade and expansion of the Don Yard facility in Toronto to provide additional train storage and train servicing capabilities near the station.

The project will allow Metrolinx to better meet future growth and demand for GO and Union Pearson Express train service while reducing fuel consumption and costs, according to Ontario's Transportation Ministry.

In addition, the project supports Ontario's GO Regional Express Rail (RER) plan, which is aimed at providing faster and more frequent service by electrifying core segments of the agency's rail network.

The Don Yard upgrades will cost CA$17.1 million and include modifying existing tracks and creating three new storage tracks, which eventually will become mainline tracks as part of the RER expansion.