Construction Begins on Second Tunnel Shaft for Ontario Line

Construction has begun on a second tunnel launch shaft for the Ontario Line, with the new structure now being prepared near Gerrard Street and Carlaw Avenue.

The new shaft will form the starting point for the second underground section of the Line, running below Pape Avenue, as well as become a future tunnel portal allowing Ontario Line trains to move from above-ground tracks to underground tunnels.

Crews have begun building deep foundations that will support future excavation for the launch shaft, which is being built on the west side of existing GO tracks.

The portion’s north tunnels will run underneath Pape Avenue and along to a tunnel portal at Minton Place, where trains will then move from the underground to a bridge running over the Don Valley.

Excavation was recently completed on the project’s first tunnel launch shaft east of Exhibition Station, with two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) now set to dig the southbound tunnels through downtown Toronto.

The new Ontario Line is planned to introduce subway services directly to both the Gerrard and Carlaw community, as well as the surrounding neighbourhoods.