TTC riders should plan to hop on shuttle buses or walk this weekend as track work will shut down the Yonge subway line between Bloor and Union stations.

This weekend’s shutdown is the first of three planned weekend closures as the TTC works to build a new crossover section of track at College station.

Crossover stations are used to turn trains around during emergencies.

“It will improve efficiency,” said TTC spokesman Danny Nicholson, adding that it will give the transit system more options as the only two current crossover stations are Bloor-Yonge and Union.

The dates for the next two weekend closures yet to be nailed down but Nicholson said he anticipates one in February and one in March.

The regular subway shutdowns, from about 1:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. daily, don’t offer crews much time to work and the construction will be more efficient with the full weekend closures, Nicholson said.

The affected part of the Yonge subway line will be closed this weekend beginning Saturday and will re-open on Monday.

The TTC will run a regular shuttle bus service between Bloor-Yonge and Union stations, with stops at Wellesley St., College St./Carlton St., Dundas St., Queen St., King St. and at Front and Bay Sts.