Burloak Drive Grade Separation

The Burloak Drive Grade Separation is a project to build an underpass to separate vehicle and rail movement.

An underpass would enhance public safety in advance of GO Transit’s planned 15-minute all-day service on the Lakeshore West GO line, which will see up to eight trains crossing Burloak Drive every hour, in addition to regular VIA and freight trains.

The addition of turn lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes and improved connectivity for active modes of travel will also be included in this project.

Project status

The project is going ahead and is estimated to be completed by mid-2026. For ongoing updates on the project, please visit the Metrolinx website.

Questions about the project can be directed to Metrolinx at HaltonRegion@metrolinx.com.

Project timeline

2016-2017

Project begins

Oakville and Burlington began working with Metrolinx.

Public consultation was held in March 2017, details and the feasibility study can be found on the Metrolinx website.

Spring 2018

Cost-sharing agreement

Council approved the principles of a cost sharing arrangement with Metrolinx for the budget of $60 million. Oakville would cover 25 per cent i.e. $15 million of the cost.

Metrolinx issued an RFP based on this budget.

February 2022

Procurement contract awarded

Infrastructure Ontario awarded the procurement contract for the Lakeshore West Infrastructure Improvements Projects, which includes Burloak Drive underpass.

At that time, the town was notified that the project cost increased significantly to $177.3 million

Oakville’s share would rise by an additional $29.3 million over and above the $15 million committed in 2018
Town Council asked staff to explore all options to finalize a new cost sharing arrangement based on the latest project cost.

June 2022

Council approves updated cost sharing

Council approved the updated cost sharing proposal which shifts a significant amount of additional cost to Metrolinx and sees a reduction of the funding from the municipal partners to approximately $16 million each.

The reduction in the municipal cost share stems from Metrolinx assuming additional financial responsibility for utility work and track work (two major components of the overall project).
A revised timeline that sees the project ending two months ahead of schedule.

October 2022

Council approves updated timeline

Council approved an updated timeline to complete the project by mid-2026, approximately one year earlier than initially planned.

To meet the new project timeframe and allow for the necessary construction activities to take place, a 14-month closure (June 2024 to August 2025) of Burloak Drive, from Wyecroft Road to Superior Court will now be required.