Last column for glass atrium at Union Station marks significant progress
TORONTO, January 14, 2014 – A major milestone in the Union Station revitalization project was reached last night, as the last of 48 vertical steel columns that will support the glass atrium over the GO Transit train shed roof in the historic Union Station was put in place.
“The installation of the final column marks significant progress on the atrium roof at Union Station,” said Bruce McCuaig, Metrolinx President and CEO. “The improvements we’re making to the train shed mean we will be able to move more GO riders, more quickly through a much more pleasant environment over the coming years.”
The revitalization of the train shed at Union Station is a critical component of Metrolinx's regional transportation plan to dramatically improve how people move in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The project is a $270 million investment supported by the Province of Ontario.
Construction of the train shed and roof elements is being done in phases to minimize disruption to GO’s regular rail services, which is why the steel columns were installed during the night.
The train shed is undergoing its first renovation since it was built over 80 years ago, featuring the atrium as the centrepiece. The most noticeable aspect of the project will be the natural light streaming through the new roof and glass atrium that is being built over the passenger platforms and railway tracks. The innovative design for the new train shed roof received a 2012 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.
Once complete, the atrium will replace the centre 5,000 square metres of the 35,000 square metre roof. The large glass atrium will soar 13 metres above track level and will allow for sunlight and air circulation throughout the shed. Construction on the train shed began in January 2010 and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2016.
Today, Metrolinx is sharing photos and videos of the latest achievement in the project.
High-resolution images and a time-lapsed video of the vertical steel columns being erected are available at these two unlisted and private website links:
Unlisted YouTube link:
http://bit.ly/UnionTimelapseJan2014
Private photo set on Flickr:
http://bit.ly/UnionStationPhotosJan2014
Metrolinx is working to provide residents and businesses in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with a transportation system that is modern, efficient and integrated. Find out more about The Big Move, Metrolinx’s Regional Transportation Plan for the GTHA. Find out more about GO Transit, PRESTO, and Union Pearson Express, divisions of Metrolinx.