cityscape A Look Inside Toronto’s Newest Subway Tunnels

A guided tour through the still-unfinished tunnels of the Spadina Subway Extension.

SHOW CAPTION  ✉ Share on:  275596 This tunnel at Downsview Park Station is currently in the "track installation" phase—the tunnel boring and construction phase was completed last year. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-947- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-947-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-947-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-947-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-947-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-947-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275597 This section of tunnel runs directly under four buildings on the surface. These buildings remained fully operational during the tunnel's construction. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-959- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-959-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-959-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-959-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-959-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-959-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275598 A passageway that construction crews and future track maintenance crews can use to move between the northbound and southbound tunnels. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-966- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-966-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-966-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-966-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-966-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-966-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275599 Bags of subway-tunnel-building-strength nuts and bolts sit on the ground. The top-left corner of the photo shows what the bolts look like when securely installed. It takes six concrete panels to build each 1.5 metre of tunnel. A boring machine digs a distance of 1.5 metres, a new 1.5 metre "ring" is formed with these concrete panels, and then the process is repeated until the entire length of the tunnel is built. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-983- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-983-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-983-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-983-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-983-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-983-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275600 There's no cell service in the tunnels, but this works. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-986- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-986-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-986-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-986-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-986-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-986-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275601 Steps built into the concrete that allow anyone working in the tunnel to get from track level to the much-safer elevated walkway. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-992- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-992-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-992-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-992-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-992-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-992-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275602 These clamp-like structures will eventually support an extra "restraining rail" that holds the train to the inside of the track. The force of the train going along the curve of this section of track would cause the train to ride more on the outside rail than the inside rail. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1007- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1007-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1007-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1007-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1007-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1007-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0

275603 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1016- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1016-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1016-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1016-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1016-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1016-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275604 A rail jack, which lifts sections of track into position as the tracks are being built. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1021- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1021-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1021-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1021-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1021-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1021-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275605 At the end of our walk through this section of tunnel, we returned to the surface using an emergency exit northeast of Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1043- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1043-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1043-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1043-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1043-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1043-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275606 A small mountain of earth from the excavation at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station. Most of this dirt will be used as backfill once the station is constructed. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1058- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1058-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1058-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1058-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1058-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1058-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275607 The south end of the train level of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station. A concrete-wall-making form slowly makes its way along the wall. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1121- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1121-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1121-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1121-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1121-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1121-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275608 A web of rebar, which will provide the concrete walls of the station with extra strength. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1131- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1131-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1131-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1131-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1131-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1131-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275609 The boarding platform at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station will be in the middle, with the trains on the outside. To the south will be a connection to VIVA BRT, and to the north will be a connection to York Rapid Transit. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1160- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1160-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1160-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1160-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1160-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1160-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0

275610 These horizontal struts are used to keep the station from caving in. As the concrete walls are completed, the struts are removed. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1179- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1179-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1179-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1179-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1179-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1179-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275611 A waste pipe. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1195- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1195-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1195-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1195-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1195-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1195-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275612 This elevator will eventually take people from the York Rapid Transit bus terminal to the concourse level of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1214- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1214-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1214-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1214-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1214-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1214-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275613 Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station has been designed with six strategic "knock-out panels." These walls are essentially concrete in a frame, and they don't have rebar to reinforce them. Their purpose is to give the TTC the option of connecting underground pedestrian walkways to future buildings in the area. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1229- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1229-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1229-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1229-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1229-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1229-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275614 Under the concourse level of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station will be the trains and passenger boarding platforms. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1237- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1237-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1237-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1237-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1237-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1237-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275615 Tracks have yet to be laid on what will be the passenger loading area at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1247- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1247-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1247-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1247-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1247-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1247-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0 275616 Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station is being built to accommodate future potential expansion. The groove in the concrete here can be knocked out to add more track if the subway extends further north in the future. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1251- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1251-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1251-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1251-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1251-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1251-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0

275617 A surface view of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station under construction, looking south towards Highway 7. 20130909-Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension-1284- Photo_by_Corbin_Smith https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1284-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1284-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20130909-Toronto-York-Spadina-Subway-Extension-1284-Photo_by_Corbin_Smith.jpg 1000 667 https://torontoist.com/2013/09/a-look-inside-torontos-newest-subway-tunnels/slide/20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1284-photo_by_corbin_smith/ 20130909-toronto-york-spadina-subway-extension-1284-photo_by_corbin_smith 0 0



Often ignored during the course of the ceaseless political arguments over where and how to build new subway stops in Toronto is the fact that it’s already being done. Construction on the TTC’s Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension is well underway. If all goes according to plan, we’ll have six more stops on the north end of the Spadina subway line by late 2016, the northernmost of which will be all the way up in Vaughan.

It’s a massive job, requiring four tunnel-boring machines and an estimated $2.6 billion in funding from three levels of government. Although there’s still plenty of work to do, the dirty part is actually almost done: the TTC was saying, as of its last progress update in June, that tunelling was about 85 per cent complete. Earlier today, we, along with reporters from other media outlets, were given a guided tour of the interiors of some of those still-unfinished underground shafts. We visited two construction sites: the future Downsview Park Station and the future Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station.

Click through the image gallery above for a look at what we saw, and try to imagine the trains running through.

This post originally referred to Sheppard West Station. In fact, the construction site we visited will one day be known as Downsview Park Station. (The current Downsview Station will be renamed Sheppard West Station once construction is complete.)