TTC closing portion of Line 1 for 10 days starting this Friday

The TTC is closing a portion of Line 1 for 10 days starting on Friday.

According to the transit agency, beginning on December 4 at 11 pm, the TTC will be closing the portion of Line 1 between Finch and Sheppard-Yonge stations for tunnel improvements that will accelerate the installation of the ATC signal system.

They add that the closure will take place in two phases. The first phase will run for seven days between Finch and Sheppard-Yonge stations, ending on December 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 am on Monday, December 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 says it 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 closures.

“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 frequently run throughout the closure. Customers can expect bus service every 60 seconds during peak periods and consistent service to continue throughout the day.

The TTC is encouraging customers 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 pm on Dec. 4 until 6 am on Dec. 14.

All other stations will remain open for fare sales and connection to Line 4 and surface routes.