Update — Thursday, April 22, 2021, 6:15 p.m.*: The TTC opens the second exit at Chester Station Friday, April 23.

Update — Wednesday, September 2, 2020, 10:46 p.m.: The TTC opened the elevators at Chester Station to passengers today.

Update — Friday, May 22, 5:40 p.m.: Repaving, restoration, walkway closure, starting May 25, 2020.

Update — Friday, February 14, 2020, 10:15 p.m.: Work continues, February 22, 2020.

Update — Friday, January 17, 2020, 7:52 p.m.: TTC crews are using a generator overnight as part of the project, Sundays, January 19 and January 26.

The TTC is continuing its “Easier Access” program to install elevators in its subway stations, making the subway system accessible for everyone. The program supports the Government of Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The provincial legislation commits the TTC to achieving a barrier-free transit system by 2025.

It’s also building second exits from stations with just one exit to increase passenger safety during emergencies.

At Chester Station, TTC crews and contractors are working on both projects at the same time to decrease the project timelines and disrupting the neighbourhood.

Starting “as early as” Friday, September 21, TTC contractors are setting up a work zone on the west side of the Toronto Parking Authority’s Lot #87 to facilitate building the second exit / entrance for Chester Station and to relocate utilities. The east side of the parking lot remains accessible to motorists from Arundel Avenue.

Crews start relocating utilities “as early as” Monday, September 24. Relocating the utilities continues for “3-4 weeks” or until about October 19.

^ Concept for second exit / entrance for Chester Station. The structure will stand at 29 Chester Avenue, in the Toronto Parking Authority’s Lot 87, across from the main entrance to Chester Station. Image: TTC.

After relocating utilities, the contractors deliver large equipment and materials to the site to get ready to build the second exit / entrance. Work activities include:

• excavating;
• shoring; and
• pouring concrete.

Expect noise and vibration.

Crews work Mondays to Fridays from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Occasionally they may work weekends and crews may also deliver equipment and materials later than 7 p.m.

For transit passengers:

• Access to the main entrance of Chester Station will be available during construction.

For pedestrians:

• The walkway north of the station will remain accessible as long as safely possible during construction.

For cyclists:

• The Bike Share Toronto station north of the station will remain accessible as long as safely possible during construction.

For motorists:

• At least one lane will be available on Chester Avenue at all times.
• The City of Toronto is permitting two-way traffic on Arundel Avenue south of the parking lot only.

The TTC intends to finish installing the elevator and building the second exit by 2021.

Work activities for the “Easier Access” project behind Chester Station continue.

Previous Transit Toronto posts about this project:

• “TTC ‘Easier Access’ project at Chester Station: Construction starts August 20” (2018), here.
• “Early work starts at Chester Station for “Easier Access”, second-exit projects” (July 19, 2017), here.
• Overnight Hydro work at Chester Station supports “Easier Access”, second-exit projects” (May 5, 2017), here.
• Chester Station second-exit project”: soil assessment starts February 8” (2016), here.