Toronto's biggest bridge in generations will soon join beloved skyline view

Ontario line construction is reshaping sites across Toronto right now, and even the natural beauty of the Don Valley — now lush with fall colours — is not immune to the change brought on by the transformational $27 billion transit line.

A massive new bridge will soon span the valley, and in the process, add a dynamic new presence to what is already one of the most popular skyline views in town.

The gargantuan Don Valley Crossing, one of two new bridges that will carry the line over the Don River, will mark the first such high-level valley crossing built in Toronto in roughly a century.

Metrolinx

Standing at a maximum of 38 metres above the valley, the bridge's balanced cantilever design will bring a towering concrete presence to the Don Valley. 

1927 was the last time a bridge of this magnitude was constructed in Toronto, when the nearby Leaside Bridge was completed.

Work on this impressive new landmark is now well underway ahead of the 15.6-kilometre transit route's planned 2031 opening, and the best vantage point over construction is the aforementioned Leaside Bridge.

The Don Valley Crossing will see Ontario Line trains emerge from a tunnel portal at Minton Place in the Thorncliffe Park area, proceed across the valley, and continue along an elevated guideway for the route's final northern leg.

Work on a large retaining wall, access road, and crane pad, along with slope stabilization, shoring, and other early works, was carried out between April and August.

Pier piling has since been followed by early upward construction on the bridge piers themselves. 

These enormous concrete footings, now sprouting rebar, will become the most visible element of construction over the coming months.

These piers will rise towards bridge level ahead of the even more exciting bridge deck work further down the line.

The Ontario Line will eventually run 15.6 kilometres, with 15 stations connecting the upcoming Eglinton Crosstown LRT in the north with Exhibition Place in the south.

The line is anticipated to open in 2031.