Yonge subway line closure explained

The platforms of Bloor-Yonge station are dangerously crowded.
National Post photo

This past weekend, the Yonge line closed between Bloor and Union. The TTC gave sufficient warning and operated frequent shuttle buses. It was inconvenient, but well-executed. Most people knew about it, and were only burdened with a few extra minutes on their commute. The weather was nice, to boot.

The line was closed as part of a tunnel upgrade, explained by The Grid. It's to deal with the tunnels' inevitable decay over time, and will help weather-proof sections of the line. It's the reason for last month's late-night closures of the route's north section.

There's no such thing as a perfect time to close the line, which faces an unsustainable amount of commuters, and is likely the TTC's busiest route.

"Rescue" trains are often dispatched, rolling right into Bloor-Yonge station empty to help soak up some of the platform crowding. It's amazing how quickly the platform clogs up, and it's one of the main reasons for the relief line project.