Major $5.6 billion Toronto subway extension just took a huge step forward

A significant extension planned for the TTC's Line 1-Yonge University subway just took a massive leap forward with the announcement of a contract procurement for the enormous infrastructure investment.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford was at Langstaff GO Station in Thornhill on Wednesday, joined by Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, and Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, to reveal the latest update on the planned Yonge North Subway Extension project.

Ford shared that the province has awarded a contract to design and build the twin tunnels for the planned extension of Line 1 north from Finch Station to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill, set to add another five stations to Line 1 across approximately eight kilometres of track.

Metrolinx

"The Yonge North Subway Extension is a critical part of our $70 billion investment to build public transit in communities across Ontario," said Premier Doug Ford. 

"As we get shovels in the ground on this critical project, we're helping keep thousands of workers on the job and we're building the infrastructure that will boost Ontario's economy and help thousands of York Region commuters get where they need to go faster and more conveniently."

North End Connectors was awarded the contract to construct the extension's tunnels, with the contract also covering early works construction of support headwalls that will pave the way for future stations and emergency exit buildings.

Once design work is completed, tunnelling for the extension will begin along with a separate procurement process for stations, rail, and supporting systems. 

The current northern terminus of Line 1's Yonge leg, Finch Station, has been primed for the future extension, while additional work, including utility relocations, is in progress ahead of the start of tunnelling — a date which has not yet been announced.

"Today, we're taking a major step forward as we build the Yonge North Subway Extension, revolutionizing travel across the region and extending subway access to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill for the first time," said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.

The extension is expected to accommodate over 94,000 daily trips once construction is complete.