Kerr Street Grade Separation

The Kerr Street Grade Separation Project plans for the building of an underpass at the Lakeshore West GO Line which is critical to prepare for GO Transit’s increased frequency of train traffic.

• Increased service will see up to eight trains crossing the Kerr St. location per hour, in addition to regular VIA and freight trains.
• An underpass will improve safety and ease traffic congestion.
• The project includes adding turn lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes and a second lane in each direction crossing the tracks.

Following the Environmental Study Report released in 2009, an open house was held in 2018, and an online Public Information Centre presentation was held in September 2019. 

Project status

On February 24, 2022, the town learned that the project cost was significantly higher than estimated and Metrolinx has indefinitely deferred the underpass project. 

As this is a critical project to create safer streets and improved mobility for our community, Council remains committed to exploring all options available to source funding and resume the project. 

On June 7, 2022, Council received up a report regarding options to re-start the project, noting that staff continue to work collaboratively with Metrolinx to establish a solution that will reduce project costs, reducing the length of time required for construction and addressing the planned and potential development and growth in the Kerr Street growth node. 

Financial details

• In 2016, Metrolinx estimated the cost of the project at $130 million. Oakville’s share of the project was $65 million (50 per cent of $130 million project cost). 
• As of February 24, 2022, the cost is said to have increased significantly to $234 million. This was not communicated to the town in the past six years since the project was initiated.
• The town was informed of the latest cost just before the February 28, 2022 financial closure date, although staff have been working collaboratively with Metrolinx since 2016. With an earlier engagement, we could have worked together to address the funding and explore all available options.
• Now, funding this project with no support from higher levels of government poses a financial challenge for the town. 
• Staff continue to work collaboratively with Metrolinx to find a way to restart the Kerr Street Grade Separation project and deliver this critical mobility project. 
• Updates will be provided to Council and the community as these discussions progress.