Track Improvements

Upgrades to the tracks improve reliability and efficiency of train operations.

When the track layout around Union Station was designed, the emphasis was on moving intercity long-distance passenger trains and freight. Those requirements have largely been replaced by the need to move commuters in and out of downtown Toronto. While the total number of station tracks remain the same, tracks were reconfigured to reduce the amount of switching between tracks to help increase capacity and speed through the corridor.

As part of the renewal program, track and switches were upgraded to improve reliability by allowing trains to move from one track to another at faster speeds, providing a more seamless passage through Canada's busiest rail corridor. Over 100 switches were replaced over a six year period, with 2012 being the final year of the program. The installation and testing of a single switch is an around-the-clock operation, started after the Friday night rush and ending just before the Monday morning operations start up.

New track in the “fly-under” west of Union Station

The main objective of this project was to build a third main track through the fly-under (tunnel) west of Union Station, providing an additional route from the Kitchener and Lakeshore West corridors through to Union Station. This provides additional capacity on the west approach to Union Station for growth in train service, provide more routing options, and to help lessen the impact of train delays. Construction of the new, third track required new retaining walls leading to the fly-under, along with grading and drainage work. 

COMPLETED: May 2013

Union Pearson (UP) Express track

Work begins Summer 2013 to add new track and signals from the "fly-under" (at Bathurst Yard) on the north side of the corridor to the west side of Union Station. This installation will facilitate the introduction of Union Pearson Express in 2015.