Union Station welcomed passengers travelling between the GO York Concourse to the TTC subway on Sunday via a new glass-covered underground pathway.

In what Metrolinx is calling on its website “a better way” to get to the TTC and “a sign of progress in (the) station’s transformation,” the new tunnel — or “moat” — will run below Front St. while the lower level of Union is closed off for construction until December.

The change is necessary to “improve the flow of pedestrian traffic and to allow construction work on the revitalization project to progress,” according to the City of Toronto website.

Bruce Hawkins, a senior media spokesperson for the City of Toronto, said over 300,000 commuters use Union Station everyday, and that staff will be available to assist and guide commuters at the station to offer a smooth transition.

Additionally, the city has updated the signage inside the station as well as maps to reflect the new route.

Hawkins said the moat was always part of the revitalization plan to “create more comfort” and expand on the space for commuters.

Read more:

Opinion | Edward Keenan: The seemingly endless Union Station reno has frustrated an entire city

Because it is sheltered, Hawkins said it will be air-conditioned in the summer and will offer heating during the winter months.

The route change means commuters leaving Union will be directed north of the York Concourse (near Tim Hortons) where they will be able to access the TTC. Commuters can also exit to Front St. and enter the subway station from street level.

Over the next six months, commuters can expect a glass roof to be built in the east of the Front St. tunnel, stairs to the Bay retail level, improved access to the TTC subway station and 12 additional retail spaces in the station, according to the City of Toronto website.

Once completed, the tunnel will enclose the space between Union Station and the TTC entrance making it an interior space. But first, it will undergo another round of construction in six months to finalize some of its finer details including adding retail space.

The Union Station revitalization program is an $800-million city initiative. It is also supported by investments of $191.8 million from the provincial government and $164 million from the federal government.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Read more about: