Tunneling Begins on Ontario Line

Tunnel Boring Machine Cutter Head

Ontario Government

TORONTO - The Ontario government has started tunneling the Ontario Line.

Two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are digging from Exhibition station to Don Yard and will go as deep as 40 meters underground. It is at Don Yard where Ontario Line trains will emerge from the tunnels and travel across the Lower Don Bridge. With the completion of the project, the Ontario Line will run from Exhibition Place to Don Mills Road and include 15 stations. The Government of Canada is investing more than C$4 billion toward this construction of the Ontario Line.

“The start of tunnelling is a historic milestone for the Ontario Line which, once complete, will help cut travel times for commuters across Toronto by 40 minutes,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to fight gridlock and keep workers on the job by leading the largest expansion of public transit in North America.”

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re getting the Ontario Line done to tackle gridlock and increase access to fast, reliable and affordable transit for millions of people across the GTA,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “This major milestone moves us another step closer to delivering world-class transit for people across the GTA while supporting thousands of good-paying jobs.”

Metrolinx President and CEO Michael Lindsay said, “It’s been more than 60 years since we last tunnelled a subway in Toronto’s downtown core, so this is a very pivotal moment for the people of this great city. With excavation nearly complete for all downtown stations and major construction underway across the full length of the route, it’s undeniable that we’re full steam ahead on a rapid transit line that will put nearly 230,000 more people within walking distance of fast, reliable, modern rapid transit.”

With construction having begun, this will support 4,700 jobs annually and place public transit within walking distance of 230,000 people. According to the Premier’s Office, crews have also started major construction at Exhibition Station by building platforms and station entrances on both sides of the track. Elsewhere, work is progressing at King West, Moss Park, Distillery District, and Chinatown stations, gallery below courtesy of Ontario Government.

Station Gallery