Black & McDonald to start early works for Yonge North subway extension
Metrolinx has awarded a contract for early works along the Yonge North Subway Extension to Black & McDonald.
The scope of work calls for the company to work on early upgrades at Finch Station that will accommodate the new subway extension to Richmond Hill. The upgrades will connect the approximately eight-kilometre subway extension to existing TTC Line 1 service, and must be completed before the start of major construction on the extension project.
Black & McDonald was chosen for the work through an open public procurement.
“We’re excited to bring a new partner on board to help us set the stage for major construction to begin,” said Metrolinx project sponsor Stephen Collins. “A lot of the work will be happening in parts of Finch Station that transit riders don’t usually see or notice when they ride the subway, but it’s very important work that will keep the project moving forward.”
The most noticeable work will happen at street level, where improvements will be made to the electrical system that powers the rails.
New heavy-duty electrical cables will be installed from an existing traction power substation – a building where electricity is converted to a form suitable for providing power to the subway – on Hendon Avenue to Finch Station. The cables will be secured inside a protective casing and installed underground. A new fire department connection will also be installed near the intersection of Yonge Street and Hendon.
Minor renovations and upgrades will be made to the electrical rooms inside Finch Station to accommodate these additional power cables.
Changes to the existing tail track area, beyond the subway platform, will prepare it to become part of the main subway line. This involves extending the waterless sprinkler system from the existing service tracks through the tail tracks, along with new cables and other equipment that will link the future subway extension into existing communications and support systems.
Construction on the early works at Finch Station is expected to start in the fall of 2022.