Yonge North Subway: Toronto’s Rail Expansion & Infrastructure Upgrade

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Introduction

The Government of Ontario and Metrolinx have initiated the procurement process for the final major contract of the Yonge North Subway Extension, seeking partners to design and build the project’s five new stations. This extension of TTC Line 1 will add new stations in Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill, extending the subway approximately eight kilometers north from Finch Station into York Region.

Main Content

Procurement Process

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been issued for the stations, rail, and systems contract. This contract encompasses the detailed design and construction of the new stations, track installation, signaling, and related infrastructure. The package also includes emergency exit buildings, a train storage facility, utility relocations, and modifications at Finch Station to connect the new section with the existing TTC Line 1. The procurement process is managed via MERX under Infrastructure Ontario’s standard procedures. Following the RFQ phase, Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario will shortlist qualified bidders to advance to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage.

Project Scope and Impact

The project is expected to support up to 4,300 jobs annually during construction. The Yonge North Subway Extension will bring rapid transit service within walking distance for 26,000 additional residents and improve access to 22,900 job opportunities in York Region and northern Toronto. The new line is expected to reduce travel times by up to 22 minutes for commuters travelling between Richmond Hill and downtown Toronto.

Station Design and Features

Metrolinx has released conceptual renderings providing a visual look at the extension’s five planned stations: Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard, Bridge, and High Tech. Three of the stations – Steeles, Clark, and Royal Orchard – will be built underground, while Bridge and High Tech will be at surface level. The conceptual designs highlight modern, efficient station layouts with wide concourses, accessible platforms, and natural light. Each station will feature escalators, elevators, and improved passenger circulation, as well as connections to local buses, GO Transit services (at Bridge Station), cycling routes, and pedestrian pathways.

Construction Activities

With the tunnelling contract already awarded earlier this year, both major contracts required to deliver the Yonge North Subway Extension are now active. Preparatory work has started for the tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch shaft, where excavation will begin in the coming months. Utility relocations are currently underway along the alignment to ensure a smooth transition into the main construction phase. In addition, early upgrades at Finch Station have been completed to prepare for the new connection with the existing Line 1.

Conclusion

The Yonge North Subway Extension project involves the procurement of a stations, rail, and systems contract, which includes the design and construction of five new stations, track installation, and related infrastructure. The project is expected to generate significant employment and reduce travel times, connecting the TTC network with GO Transit and York Region Transit services.

Company Summary

Metrolinx:

Metrolinx is responsible for the design, construction, and operation of public transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Infrastructure Ontario:

Infrastructure Ontario manages the procurement process via MERX under its standard procedures.

TTC:

TTC is the operator of Line 1.

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