Crews complete track work on Toronto’s $3.2B Spadina Subway Extension
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Long-delayed, over-budget project inching toward completion, but not expected to open to passengers until December of next year
The $3.2 billion project is expected to open in December of 2017, two years later than originally scheduled. PHOTO: Marcin Wichary, via Flickr
TORONTO—Construction crews have completed track work on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension, stretching the subway system in Canada’s largest metropolis north of the city limits for the first time.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, provincial Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca and several other public officials gathered at the future site of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station to tap the final few rail clips into place, officially completing track work on the long-delayed, over-budget infrastructure project.
“We know how important public transit is to managing congestion, curbing emissions, and building communities,” Del Duca said. “Another important milestone has been reached for the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension that will enable people to spend less time commuting and more time with their friends and families.”
Originally scheduled to begin ferrying passengers last year, the $3.2B subway extension has faced significant delays and cost overruns—most recently the Toronto Transit Commission requested $400 million to complete work.
The major infrastructure project is funded through an $870 million contribution from the provincial government, $907 million from the City of Toronto, a $606 million investment from the Regional Municipality of York and $697 million from the federal government.
The subway extension will add 8.6 kilometres to the TTC’s subway network, stretching the west side of Line 1 six stops past Downsview Station—the current end of the line. Along with linking York University with downtown, the connection to York Region will establish the first station outside Toronto’s city limits, better connecting commuters with viable transit.
Despite the progress, the project remains well behind schedule. The subway extension is not expected to open until December of next year, approximately two years behind the original plan.
The province estimates the project will create 20,000 jobs throughout construction.
