Giant bridge under construction will soon join iconic Toronto skyline view

The iconic skyline view enjoyed from the Leaside Bridge over the Don Valley will soon be even more dynamic, as the early stages of construction advance for what will likely prove one of the most significant bridges ever built in Toronto.

Under construction since 2024, the new Don Valley Crossing bridge will play an integral role in the future Ontario Line subway — a 15.6-kilometre transit route linking the upcoming Eglinton Crosstown LRT in the north with Exhibition Place in the south.

Serving 15 new stations, including a stretch through the heart of downtown, the line will include a combined underground and above-grade right-of-way that will cross the Don Valley (and the Don Valley Parkway) twice along its route. This routing requires two separate bridges to carry trains across the valley.

While the smaller Lower Don Bridge, which will cross the Don River in the West Don Lands and Riverside neighbourhoods, is set to be the more visually flashy of the two crossings, boasting a steel network tied arch structure, it is a minor infrastructure project when compared to the much larger Don Valley Crossing bridge to the north.

Set to stand an impressive 38 metres above the valley floor, Don Valley Crossing's balanced cantilever design will mark the first high-level crossing of the valley constructed since the Leaside Bridge was built in 1927.

Don Valley Crossing with the tunnel portal on the left. Image courtesy of Metrolinx.

And it is in views from that very Leaside Bridge that the new Don Valley Crossing has the potential to shine as a lasting landmark for the city, despite a somewhat utilitarian concrete design.

Don Valley Crossing (foreground) with the existing Leaside Bridge (background). Image courtesy of Metrolinx.

The Leaside Bridge is already a popular spot for photographers thanks to a beautiful skyline view framed by the lush valley and motion of the Don Valley Parkway below.

2020 view from the Leaside Bridge, a vantage point that will soon be dominated by the new bridge under construction across the valley. Photo by Jack Landau.

But as of 2025, the vista from this bridge — while not as photogenic — offers a perfect vantage point to watch Toronto's next landmark materialize.

View of Don River Crossing's construction captured from the Leaside Bridge. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Along the eastern slope of the valley, a section of wooded area has been clear-cut, and the early stages of construction have begun for a tunnel portal at Minton Place in the Thorncliffe Park area.

View of Don River Crossing's construction captured from the Leaside Bridge. Photo by Fareen Karim.

This slope is where Ontario Line trains will eventually emerge from the eastern tunnelled section running underground and emerge over the large bridge.

View of Don River Crossing's construction captured from the Leaside Bridge. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Similar to how Line 2 passengers get an impressive view of the valley and cityscape when crossing the underside of the Bloor Viaduct, the new Don Valley Crossing bridge will offer remarkable skyline views, sure to be a highlight of commutes on the line.

View of Don River Crossing's construction captured from the Leaside Bridge. Photo by Fareen Karim.

The Ontario Line isn't set to open until 2031, but I can offer some advance advice for riders: You are going to want to grab a window seat on the left side of the train for northbound commutes, and the right side of the train when travelling south. Trust me.