Digging Deep: Toronto’s Ontario Line Launch Shaft Construction Begins

Excavation work is officially underway for the Ontario Line’s TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) launch shaft near Exhibition Station, marking a historic moment for Toronto. This 16-meter-deep shaft will serve as the starting point for two TBMs that will carve out approximately 6 kilometers of twin tunnels beneath the city. This is the first downtown subway tunneling project in more than six decades and a significant step forward in enhancing Toronto’s transit infrastructure.

Transforming Urban Mobility

The Ontario Line is set to become a 15.6-kilometer rapid transit route, connecting the Ontario Science Centre to Exhibition/Ontario Place. With 15 stations planned, including six interchange points with existing transit systems, this project will bring 227,500 more Torontonians within walking distance of public transit. More than half of the Ontario Line will run underground, with the twin tunnels spanning from just east of Exhibition Station to west of the Don River. Once tunneling is complete, the launch shaft will transition into a portal where trains shift from above to below ground, seamlessly integrating the above-ground and underground segments of the line.

Engineering Excellence at Its Core

The Ontario Line’s southern segment is being delivered as part of a $6 billion public-private partnership. This package includes four new underground stations, two integrated interchange stations, and one above-ground station. The engineering teams are tackling complex challenges such as designing and constructing the twin tunnels and seamlessly connecting them with existing transit infrastructure. With the southern section expected to be operational by 2030, this transformative project is on track to redefine public transportation in Toronto, easing congestion and supporting a growing urban population.