Ontario Line
A new 15.6-km subway line in Toronto that will run from Exhibition Place, through downtown, all the way to Line 5 Eglinton at Don Mills Road.- Projects & Programs
- Ontario Line
- What We're Building
- Gerrard Tunnel Portal
Tunnel launch shaft
The tunnel launch shaft, located northeast of the future Gerrard Station, will serve as the starting point for tunnelling the roughly three-kilometre twin subway tunnels beneath Pape Avenue.
It is a deep, reinforced structure where the two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will be assembled and lowered into the ground to start tunnelling.
After the TBMs launch from the shaft, they will continue their journey north to Pape Station, on to Cosburn Station and finally to the Minton Place tunnel portal, where they will be taken out of the ground and retired once tunnelling is complete.
The launch shaft site will also be used to store construction equipment and materials needed for tunnelling, including the concrete segments that will be used to build the tunnel walls. Excavated soil, rock and debris from the tunnel boring machines will travel along a conveyor system back to the shaft, where it will be collected and hauled away to be safely disposed.
From above: the launch shaft site for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension served as a hub for tunnelling. The Ontario Line will use a similar approach.
Tunnel portal
After tunnelling is complete, the launch shaft site will be converted into the tunnel portal, a permanent structure where Ontario Line trains will move between above-ground tracks to underground subway tunnels.
A map of the Gerrard tunnel portal location, where trains will transition between above-ground tracks and underground tunnels.
Equipment used during tunnelling will be removed from the launch shaft area and permanent, reinforced concrete walls and drainage systems will be built to transform the shaft into the portal. These will keep the tunnels dry and stable, and make sure subway trains move safely between the surface and tunnels. Rail and signaling systems will be installed to operate the line, as well as an access ramp for maintenance vehicles.
An artist’s rendering of the tunnel portal, directly northeast of Gerrard Station (subject to change). Ontario Line trains will travel through the portal into underground tunnels, and GO trains running on parallel tracks will continue above ground along the Lakeshore East line.
Managing construction impacts
Metrolinx works closely with our contractors to minimize disruptions while we deliver new transit. We engage with communities to address potential issues, and we strive to reduce and manage impacts whenever possible through a wide array of measures, including:
We also keep communities informed about what to expect during construction. You’ll hear from us well before work starts, and we’ll continue to share timely updates as work moves forward to make sure you have the latest information about progress and next steps.
To stay connected, you can sign up to our Ontario Line e-newsletter.
Get in touch
We're committed to keeping you informed and engaged every step of the way as we build important transit projects like the Ontario Line.
Our team is here to answer your questions, address issues, and provide the information you need. Reach out to us any time at OntarioLine@metrolinx.com or 416-202-5100.
You can also visit us at a community office in Riverside, on the Danforth or in Thorncliffe Park.
Related Projects
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that we connect communities by building and operating transit within the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, for whom these lands continue to have great importance.
Treaties between First Nations and governments cover these lands, and the promises contained in these Treaties remain relevant to this day.
Metrolinx and its employees are committed to understanding the history of these lands and the continued impacts of colonization and take responsibility for actions to advance reconciliation.
Metrolinx will continue to seek the knowledge, expertise and experience of Indigenous partners and commits to doing business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration.