Burloak Drive Grade Separation

A joint initiative between the Town of Oakville, City of Burlington and Metrolinx.

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, 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. 

Construction activities are underway and the project 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.

Burloak Drive Grade Separation rendering

 Artist's rendering, design is subject to change. (Metrolinx image)  

Project status – July 25, 2024 update

  • The track detour has been completed and if currently in use for rail traffic. In the coming weeks, work will start on the installation of shoring that will support the track detour during the excavation stage of the project. Construction of the utility duct bank along Burloak Drive, adjacent to the future underpass is complete.
  • Storm sewer work continues and is approximately 50 per cent complete. Storm sewer installation at Prince William Drive and Burloak Drive has been rescheduled to late August and is expected to take 10 days to complete.
  • 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. 

Metrolinx Website

Project timeline

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.