Metrolinx has awarded a contract to Kenaidan Contractors Ltd for construction of a pedestrian connection between Bloor GO/UP Station and Dundas West Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Station. Work is expected to start this fall.
Once complete, the Bloor-TTC connection will provide a safe and customer-friendly connection between GO Transit, UP Express and TTC services (subway, streetcar and bus).
The connection will help to shorten the distance between the two stations and save travelers on time. It currently takes about five to eight minutes to walk the 0.31 miles between both stations, depending on the weather conditions and the traffic.
The new pedestrian tunnel will be weather-proof and will shorten the distance to just 0.06 miles that can be walked in two minutes and it will become easier and safer for users with mobility challenges or travelling with luggage to get around.
The project includes:
- Constructing a new concourse in the lower level of The Crossways’ building (within the parking structure) and providing elevator access to the TTC platform level
- Building two elevators and a stairwell connecting GO’s existing Bloor tunnel and the new TTC concourse
- Creating a new electrical room with an upgraded emergency back-up and life-safety systems to help keep customers safe in case of power outages
At the moment, it is estimated that approximately 600 transfers occur between Dundas West TTC Station and Bloor GO Station each day, making both stations busy transit hubs.
With the GO Expansion program in the works and even more development anticipated for the area, the Bloor-TTC Connection will help accommodate even more customers and support the development of a regional rapid transit network that offers seamless connections to more stations and faster trains.
