Excavation begins for Ontario Line’s first downtown subway tunnels

Excavation has started near Exhibition Station for the Ontario Line’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch site.

This 16-meter-deep shaft will mark the starting point for two TBMs that will create twin tunnels spanning approximately six kilometers—the first downtown subway tunnel project in Toronto in over 60 years.

The twin tunnels will stretch from east of Exhibition Station to just west of the Don River. Once tunneling is complete, the shaft will serve as a transition portal, allowing Ontario Line trains to move from elevated to underground tracks.

When fully operational, the 15.6-kilometer Ontario Line will extend transit access to 227,500 more residents in Toronto.

Community safety measures
Metrolinx emphasized its commitment to safety and community support throughout the construction process, particularly in Liberty Village, where the work is ongoing. Collaborating with the City of Toronto and local partners, the agency aims to minimize disruptions by optimizing traffic signals, deploying paid-duty officers, and coordinating around major events such as the CNE and FIFA tournaments.

Metrolinx will continue working with community members to implement solutions that ease the impact of construction, ensuring residents retain access to essential infrastructure.

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