Metrolinx is revising its plans for the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown light rail transit line. Next week, it’s hosting two meetings to present residents and other members of the public with its new plans for the line.

First, Metrolinx plans to extend the east end of the tunnel portion of the line. It now proposes moving the eastern portal — where trains exit from the tunnel to start operating along the street — from east of Laird Drive to Don Mills Road. This change will allow contractors to continue tunneling without interruption from Yonge Street to Don Mills, significantly improving the construction schedule and reducing the impact of the work on the area. According to Steve Munro, since this plan requires tunneling under the west branch of the Don River, trains would no longer stop at Leslie Street.

It’s holding a meeting on these plans Tuesday, December 11, starting at 7 p.m. You can view displays and talk one-on-one with Metrolinx staff to offer your ideas and comments about these plans.

Meanwhile at the west end of the line, Metrolinx plans on extending the underground portion of the line westward from Black Creek Drive to west of Weston Road, instead of in the centre of the roadway. It will build a new underground station east, instead of west, of Weston — it’s calling this stop the Weston Rd / Mt Dennis station. The new station will allow passengers along the LRT line to connect with GO Transit trains operating along the 31 Kitchener and 65 Barrie lines and, possibly, the future Union Pearson Express.

It’s holding a meeting to update area residents on these plans next Wednesday, December 12. The event also provides information on the new maintenance and storage facility for the light rail cars that Metrolinx plans to build on the former Kodak lands near Eglinton Avenue West and Black Creek Drive.

This meeting follows up an earlier event last July. Metrolinx staff have reviewed the comments from people who attended that meeting and incorporated their ideas in updating these plans. Next week’s event starts at 6:30 p.m., when you may view displays and speak one-on-one with staff. Afterwards, you can take part in a workshop on a future mobility hub in the area at 8 p.m. During the workshop, you can help identify community opportunities to help shape the future of the Mount Dennis area.

(A mobility hub consists of a major transit station and the surrounding area. It serves a important function in the regional transportation system as the origin, destination or transfer point for many trips in or through an area. They are places where different modes of transportation — walking, biking or riding pubic transit — join and where many people work, live, shop or play.)