Parts Of Queen Street Will Be Closed For Nearly Half A Decade To Build The Ontario Line

Torontonians who often travel down Queen Street are in for a rude awakening this decade, thanks to the upcoming construction of the Ontario Line.

According to Metrolinx, the new subway station will require the transit agency to occupy the entire roadway to safely carry out nearly half a decade of construction work.

As a result, all vehicles, including streetcars, will be moved off Queen from just east of Bay Street to Yonge Street and from Yonge to Victoria for roughly four and a half years beginning in early 2023.

Yonge Street, Bay Street and Victoria Street are expected to remain open throughout construction, with Metrolinx reportedly maintaining pedestrian access to all businesses in the area.

"Diverting all traffic for a set period of time means construction can be completed over a year sooner, the Ontario Line can open more than nine months earlier, and we can minimize disruptions to residents, businesses and visitors," Malcolm MacKay, Metrolinx program sponsor for the Ontario Line, said in a press release.