Burloak Drive Grade Separation

A new underpass on Burloak Drive will separate vehicle traffic and rail movement.

The underpass will enhance public safety in advance of GO Transit’s planned 15-minute all-day service on the Lakeshore West GO line. Increased service 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. Preparatory construction activities were carried out in summer and fall 2024, including construction of rail diversion, storm sewer installation, and utility relocation.

Based on traffic analysis and input from the community, Metrolinx has adjusted the construction plans. Instead of a 14-month road closure of Burloak Drive (from Wyecroft Road to Superior Court), a four-lane detour road was built to maintain access along Burloak Drive. This helps to minimize construction impacts while ensuring continued access for residents and local businesses

As of July 2025, crews are in the process of building the new concrete structure that will support the rail lines. Once the structure is completed, the rail diversion will be eliminated. GO trains will then be able to proceed across the new structure. At that time, the construction focus will shift to the widening of Burloak Drive.

Shorter-term road closures (up to 30 days) will still be necessary to facilitate construction. This includes shifting traffic from the detour road to the new widened roadway. Additional details will follow as the project progresses.

For ongoing updates on the project, please visit the Metrolinx website.

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

Funding acknowledgement

This project received funding from the Government of Ontario through the Building Faster Fund. This fund provides financial support to municipalities for housing-enabling infrastructure and associated costs to support community growth.

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. The approved proposal also 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 (tentatively scheduled to start in March 2025) of Burloak Drive, from Wyecroft Road to Superior Court will now be required.

July 2025

Ongoing construction

The track and roadway detours are completed and are currently in use for rail and vehicular traffic.

Construction of the main structure is underway starting with the abutment walls. Storm sewer installation north of Prince William Drive and Burloak Drive will continue in conjunction with the structure construction.

Residents are reminded that the area is an active construction zone and periodic lane closures can happen at any time. Consider using alternative routes, if possible, to avoid travel delays.

Summer 2027

Scheduled completion of construction

Completion of construction is anticipated in summer 2027.