TTC to close portion of Line 1 for 10 days to speed up ATC installation
Beginning Fri., Dec. 4 at 11 p.m., the TTC will be closing the portion of Line 1 between Finch and Sheppard-Yonge stations for tunnel improvements that will accelerate installation of the ATC signal system. The closure will take place in two phases:
- The first phase will run for seven days between Finch and Sheppard-Yonge stations, ending on Fri., Dec. 11 at the end of service.
- The second phase will see the closure extend from Finch Station to St Clair Station on the weekend of Dec. 12/13. Regular service will resume across the system by 6 a.m. on Mon., Dec. 14, 2020.
“I know these closures are frustrating, but the TTC is doing this work now during the pandemic, while subway ridership is dramatically reduced, to save years in the long run,” said Mayor John Tory. “I want to thank our TTC workers for doing all they can to accelerate the installation of the ATC signal system. These upgrades will help provide a more reliable subway ride for more riders.”
The TTC is capitalizing on reduced ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic to carry out this much-needed work, saving more than two years of early nightly closure shifts. During the closure, crews will be performing vital state-of-good-repair work, including tunnel lining repairs, track remediation, asbestos removal and station cleaning, as well as ATC signal upgrades.
“While subway ridership is low, we are proactively accelerating capital work on Line 1 to reduce our state-of-good repair backlog and improve service for TTC passengers. This innovative approach will result in remarkable cost and time savings, reducing the project timeline for necessary tunnel improvements for several years,” said TTC Chair Jaye Robinson.
Shuttle buses will run frequently throughout the closure. Customers can expect bus service every 60 seconds during peak periods and very consistent service to continue throughout the day. Service levels have been designed based on current customer volumes.
Customers travelling into the city are encouraged to start their journey at Sheppard-Yonge Station instead of Finch Station, if possible, to avoid the closure area. Customers are also able to use the University side of Line 1 as an alternative.
“We are taking this opportunity to make the best of our reduced ridership and complete imperative state-of-good-repair work in the subway system while inconveniencing as few customers as possible,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “This work will put our crews ahead several years in their progress of modernizing the system and providing the best possible service for our customers.”
North York Centre Station will be closed from 11 p.m. on Dec. 4 until 6 a.m. on Dec. 14. All other stations will remain open for fare sales and connection to Line 4 and surface routes.
Customers who require Wheel-Trans service can speak with any TTC customer service staff member for assistance.
Customers should remember that masks or face coverings are mandatory while travelling the TTC for those customers who are able to wear one. More information is available on how to wear a mask properly.
The TTC is using a variety of tactics to ensure customers are aware of this extended closure and to minimize the inconvenience as much as possible. Customers looking for more information or assistance planning their trips are advised to visit ttc.ca or call customer service at 416-393-4636.
The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service and about alternative routes. For the most up-to-date information, follow @TTCNotices on Twitter or sign up for eAlerts.