Vaughan's Rutherford GO Station getting new parking spots, underpass
Nov. 21 announcement says construction to start 2018, finish by 2021

Yorkregion.com
Tim Kelly
Nov. 21, 2017

You'll soon have 1,200 more parking spaces at the GO Transit Rutherford Station and those long traffic lineups as the GO trains trundle by will be a thing of the past as an underpass for traffic will be built under Rutherford Road.

Those were just two of the major developments announced by Transportation Minister and Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca the morning of Nov. 21 at the station.

Those 1,200 spaces will be part of a multi-level parking structure, but they will also be included as part of a brand new integrated station building that will also involve a pedestrian bridge to a new rail platform.

In other words, Rutherford GO station will look radically different in 2021, when the work is expected to be completed.

Even the surface parking is going to be redesigned, including the kiss-and-ride and bus loop and the addition full pedestrian access, along with new rail platforms. In addition, a second heavy rail track to provide for eventual all-day, two-way service along the Barrie corridor will be built. There is provision for a future third express centre track as well.

"This specific project includes a number of enhancements to the station," said Del Duca, who added that during the construction phase, the current number of parking spots at the station would not be reduced.

"This project includes a new pedestrian tunnel that will connect to a second track ... construction is expected to begin next year," he said.

No cost estimate could be provided, the minister said, as the request for proposals had just been sent out to three pre-qualified bidders to design, build and finance station improvements. Once the winning bid has been announced, the total cost will be provided, he said.

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua saluted the province for Tuesday's announcement.

"I thank the province and Metrolinx for their investment in our community and their commitment to ensuring that our transportation system grows with our city and contributes to Vaughan's bright future."