TTC completes Toronto Union Station renovation project

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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TTC

Federal and provincial officials joined members of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) to mark the completion a CA$137.5 million (US$108.8 million) renovation project to Toronto's Union Station.

 

TTC says the addition of a second subway platform and expansion of the concourse to include a single TTC fare-paid area and pedestrian by-pass routes, have helped to reduce overcrowding and improve passenger circulation for approximately 125,000 people who use Union Station each day.

Construction, which is part of the larger Toronto Waterfront revitalization project, began in May 2011 and was funded by the city of Toronto, province of Ontario and government of Canada through Waterfront Toronto.

Union Station remained open throughout the transformation, a challenge that called for a balanced customer-focused approach and close co-ordination with GO Transit and local businesses. The reduction of lanes on Front St. W., from Yonge to York streets was necessary to excavate to the existing tunnel structure and build the new platform. Crews were required to dig and temporarily support existing watermains, gas lines, sewers and other utilities.

“Union Station is the hub of public transit in the [Greater Toronto Area (GTA)] and so plays a pivotal role in Toronto’s future. That is why our Conservative Government invested CS$133 million (US$105 million) in the Union Station revitalization project. The upgrades include a new platform, track and signal improvements and accessibility and roof enhancements, new retail space, PATH connections and exterior design refinements. They will create a better traveling experience for everyone and help reduce traffic gridlock throughout the region,” said the Honorable Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the GTA.

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