Metrolinx kicks off construction on four subway stations

Crews have started construction on four new Ontario Line subway stations on Toronto's east end, Metrolinx announced yesterday.

The Ontario Line is a planned subway line that will operate along 9.7 miles from the Exhibition Place station through downtown Toronto to connect with Metrolinx's Line 5 Eglinton light-rail line. Once open, the Ontario Line will reduce travel time from Thorncliffe Park to downtown Toronto by 15 minutes.

Three stations — the Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park and Don Valley stations — will be built above ground and provide access to a 2-mile section of elevated track, which is also under construction. The fourth station under construction, Cosburn Station, will be underground, Metrolinx officials said in a press release.

The elevated track will connect to future subway tunnels beneath Pape Avenue, with stops at the future Cosburn and Pape stations, where excavation work is also underway. Construction and rehabilitation work is ongoing on three new grade crossing bridges and two existing rail bridges for the Ontario Line, Metrolinx officials said. Excavation is underway or completed at all downtown subway station sites. 

At Exhibition Station, crews are preparing to launch two tunnel boring machines later this year. The first of two machines has arrived on site, Metrolinx officials posted yesterday on X.com.

Construction and preparation work is also underway at Gerrard Street, where another two machines will carve the subway tunnels under Pape Avenue.