Government of Ontario

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Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery





Subway Construction Banner

The TTC built the original Yonge subway in seven sections to ensure completion of the entire line at approximately the same time, and to minimize the impact on surrounding businesses and street traffic.

“Cut and cover” method was used to build much of the line. In this method, construction workers opened up the street, excavated material, and then temporarily covered the route so it could carry traffic while work continued underneath. Once the section was complete, crews covered the street permanently and installed new pavement.

The advantages of this method of construction included reduced construction cost and the ability to build the subway much closer to the surface to improve passenger accessibility.

Subway Construction, November 8, 1949
Click to see a larger image

Subway Construction, November 8, 1949
Gilbert A. Milne fonds
C 3-1-0-0-652, 9508-13183.6
Archives of Ontario, I0016076
Construction of Yonge Street subway [at Yonge and Adelaide streets], November 8, 1949
Click to see a larger image

Construction of Yonge Street subway [at Yonge and Adelaide streets], November 8, 1949
Gilbert A. Milne fonds
C 3-1-0-0-676, 9508-15005
Construction of Yonge Street subway, November 8, 1949
Click to see a larger image

Construction of Yonge Street subway, November 8, 1949
Gilbert A. Milne fonds
C 3-1-0-0-677, 9508-15021
Archives of Ontario, I0016078
Construction of Yonge Street subway, November 8, 1949
Click to see a larger image

Construction of Yonge Street subway, November 8, 1949
Gilbert A. Milne fonds
C 3-1-0-0-682, 9508-15253.1
Archives of Ontario, I0016080
Construction of Yonge Street subway, November 8, 1949
Click to see a larger image

Construction of Yonge Street subway, November 8, 1949
Gilbert A. Milne fonds
C 3-1-0-0-687, 9508-15445
Archives of Ontario, I0016081
Construction of Yonge Street subway, November 8, 1949
Click to see a larger image

Construction of Yonge Street subway, November 8, 1949
Gilbert A. Milne fonds
C 3-1-0-0-681, 9508-15145
Archives of Ontario, I0016079
Yonge Street during subway construction underground with view of Chapman Jewellers, Tip Top Tailors, State Grill and other businesses, June 24, 1950
Click to see a larger image

Yonge Street during subway construction underground with view of Chapman Jewellers, Tip Top Tailors, State Grill and other businesses, June 24, 1950
Gilbert A. Milne fonds
C 3-1-0-0-690
Archives of Ontario, I0020296
Yonge Street during subway construction underground with view of Daffodil's Tea Shop, Pollock's Shoes, Virginia Dare, Proctor's Diamond Rings, Betty Jane Shoes, Embassy Frocks and other businesses, June 24, 1950
Click to see a larger image

Yonge Street during subway construction underground with view of Daffodil's Tea Shop, Pollock's Shoes, Virginia Dare, Proctor's Diamond Rings, Betty Jane Shoes, Embassy Frocks and other businesses, June 24, 1950
Gilbert A. Milne fonds
C 3-1-0-0-690
Archives of Ontario, I0020297

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