The new year has brought a gift for Vaughan drivers: the north side of the new underpass under the Barrie rail corridor has been opened, allowing vehicles to make their way westbound alongside Rutherford GO Station.

Once the underpass is complete later this year, cars won’t have to wait for trains to pass anymore.

The underpass is part of major upgrades at Rutherford GO Station and key to unlocking future service increases on the Barrie rail line. The underpass allows cars to drive under trains traveling above and helps bring two-way, all-day GO train service one step closer to York Region.

Eastbound traffic will remain on the diversion road and will be rerouted to the underpass soon. Crews continue to work on light pole installation, road paving activities as well as the construction of the new multi-use path and bus loop.

The underpass will reduce congestion, decrease travel times, and improve pedestrian safety in the area. Once complete, the capacity for this stretch of Rutherford Road will increase with a total of three lanes in each direction.

Here’s a look at the project benefits:

• A new second track and platform to accommodate more frequent Barrie line service in both directions
• Renovated platforms with canopies will connect to the new parking structure
• New elevators on both platforms will connect to the pedestrian tunnel
• Better pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, including a pedestrian bridge over Rutherford Road, and dedicated bike lanes on Rutherford Road
• Separation of the tracks from Rutherford Road to eliminate the need for traffic to wait for a train to pass
• A parking structure will add approximately 1,200 net new spaces and will connect to the new station building
• 100 new secure bike parking spaces
• An upgraded bus loop and Passenger Pick Up and Drop Off (Kiss & Ride)

As part of GO Expansion, Metrolinx is working to bring customers 15-minute, all-day, two-way service between Bradford GO and Union GO Station. By making improvements today, the Barrie line will allow for faster and quieter trains to get people where they need to go.

To learn more about the many other changes coming to Rutherford GO and to subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, visit www.metrolinx.com/rutherford

Updates are also available by following the projects on Twitter and questions can be sent to YorkRegion@metrolinx.com.