From the launch shaft, TBMs will travel north, digging 3km of twin tunnels underneath Pape Avenue. The launch shaft will eventually serve as the tunnel portal, where Ontario Line trains will move from above-ground tracks to the underground tunnels.
Gerrard Station, located just south of the launch shaft and future portal, will put nearly 12,000 people within walking distance of the Ontario Line, with over 3,000 passengers expected to use the station during rush hour every day.
Work on the first launch shaft near Exhibition Station started in November last year.
In June, Metrolinx launched a naming competition for the first pair of four TBMs that will be deployed on the Ontario Line project.
“The Ontario Line will introduce all-new rapid transit to the Gerrard and Carlaw community and surrounding neighbourhoods, part of our nearly C$70bn investment to deliver the largest transit expansion in North America,” said minister of transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria. “In the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty, we are protecting Ontario’s economy by building the next generation of subway service that will create thousands of good-paying jobs and fuel long-term economic growth.”
The 15.6km Ontario Line will have 15 stations, running from Exhibition Place through the downtown core and connecting to the Line 5 Eglinton at Don Mills Road.
