Metrolinx hires contractor for pedestrian connection at two stations

Metrolinx recently awarded the contract for a new pedestrian connection between the Bloor and Dundas West stations to Kenaidan Contractors Ltd. Work is expected to start in fall.

About 600 transfers occur between the GO Transit/UP Express stations each day, making both facilities busy transit hubs, Metrolinx officials said in a press release.

The connection will shorten the distance between the two stations. It currently takes about five to eight minutes to walk between both stations, depending on weather conditions and traffic. The new weather-proof pedestrian tunnel will shorten the walk time to two minutes, Metrolinx officials said.

The project includes:

• a new concourse in the lower level of The Crossways’ building (within the parking structure) and elevator access to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) platform level;
• two elevators and a stairwell connecting GO’s existing Bloor tunnel and the new TTC concourse; and
• a new electrical room with an upgraded emergency back-up and life-safety systems to help keep passengers safe in case of a power outage.