Busiest GO station in Ontario outside of Toronto enters next stage of major upgrade

Commuters using one of Ontario’s busiest GO train stations will soon see more changes as major upgrades move into the next phase.

Metrolinx says construction is underway at Oakville GO to improve accessibility, increase capacity and support expanded train service along the Lakeshore West corridor.

Starting the week of Aug. 3, passengers will see one of the biggest changes so far: a temporary Platform 1 will open while the existing Platform 1 closes for construction.

GO Transit says customers should use the pedestrian tunnels to access the temporary platform and follow directional signage while work is underway.

The platform changes are part of a larger station transformation that includes new platforms, a new accessible pedestrian bridge, bus loop improvements, parking upgrades and renovations to the station building.

Oakville GO is one of the busiest stations in the entire GO Transit network in Ontario, serving more than 10,270 customers each day. The station is the busiest on the Lakeshore West line and second busiest across the GO system behind Union Station.

The upgrades are part of Metrolinx’s broader GO Expansion program, which aims to increase transit service and improve infrastructure across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

The station improvements include:

• refurbished platforms with new canopies, shelters and mini-platforms

• a new accessible pedestrian bridge with four elevators and staircases connecting platforms and parking areas

• six additional bus platforms with new shelters and digital signage

• parking lot improvements, including resurfacing and a secured bike shelter

• upgrades to the station building’s interior, exterior, mechanical and electrical systems

Metrolinx says some construction impacts are already affecting commuters.

The southeast pick-up and drop-off area is currently closed due to construction. Drivers looking to drop off or pick up passengers should use the north or southwest areas instead.

Construction in that area is taking place weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., with work expected to be completed in September.

The entrance to the parking garage from Trafalgar Road is also closed during construction. Drivers accessing the garage should use the Cornwall Road entrance.

Parking availability is also temporarily reduced, with 100 spaces in the north parking lot unavailable. Once work begins on Platform 1, another 40 parking spaces will be closed.

Metrolinx says parking remains available in alternate lots and the parking garage.

The station transformation follows years of growth at Oakville GO, which has become a major regional transportation hub for commuters travelling between Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton and Toronto.

The project is being completed in phases to allow the station to remain operational while construction continues.