Tower, Gantry, and Mobile: Metrolinx’s Cranes Along Ontario Line Construction

Gantry crane at Queen Station.

Metrolinx

TORONTO - Metrolinx takes a look at the types of cranes used for subway construction in downtown Toronto.

Tower cranes, gantry cranes, and mobile cranes are used across Metrolinx’s work sites in Toronto. Each one “plays a unique role” in building infrastructure, according to the story from Metrolinx.

Tower Cranes

Tower cranes are cranes tall enough to be visible along the skyline and are easy to spot. They have a “tall vertical mast – the metal structure rising from the ground – and their long horizontal jib, which extends out like an arm.” These tower cranes are used for their height and strength capabilities. With counterweights to balance the load, these cranes allow for better stability during lifts. Due to their size, these cranes are best for long-term projects and are “instrumental in excavation.” Metrolinx employs three tower cranes at Exhibition Station. Here, these are mounted on rails to move from east to west to allow for construction “above the active Lakeshore West GO tracks.” According to Metrolinx, the 65-meter-tall crane at this site is the largest in the province, as of reporting. Tower cranes are not only at Exhibition Station. They are also in use at King-Bathurst, Queen-Spadina, Moss Park and Corktown.

Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes are freestanding cranes that have a “horizontal beam supported by two vertical legs” and travel on either wheels or fixed tracks. These cranes are used for moving heavy materials across a smaller, flat area. According to Metrolinx, these cranes have a hoist mechanism that moves along the horizontal beam to allow for side-to-side movements. King-Bathurst, Osgoode, and Queen employ the use of gantry cranes to “operate inside acoustic shelters.” In these shelters, these cranes move side to side to support excavation.

Mobile Cranes

These mobile cranes are utilized all along the Ontario Line route, according to Metrolinx. As their name suggests, these cranes are mounted on wheeled vehicles and can move between locations easily. Best used for “short-term lifts, tight spaces, and areas where permanent crane installations aren’t feasible,” these are used to help with material deliveries and equipment placement. Additionally, they can also excavate in tight areas where tower and gantry cranes are unable to fit.