Construction for the Scarborough Subway Extension took a big step forward over the Labour Day weekend with the removal of the 8,100-tonne Progress Avenue bridge above McCowan Road, at the site of the future Scarborough Centre Station. 

The bridge, which weighed approximately the same as 15 jumbo jets, was removed in a 72-hour sprint in a coordinated effort involving dozens of people and machines.

How it was done 

Beginning in July, the asphalt was stripped from the bridge, and the streetlights, walkway coverings, concrete curbs, bridge railings, signs, and sidewalk were removed. A two-foot layer of sand was placed down on McCowan Road and mats made from an eco-friendly solution of recycled tires were placed over existing utilities to protect them from demolition debris. 

Environmental assessments were also completed to test soil and other key factors prior to any of the work beginning. 

Twelve excavators specially designed for use in urban environments conducted the demolition. The machines were built to limit both dust and noise and are equipped with hydraulic breaking hammers.

Working simultaneously, the excavators began breaking up material from the outside boundary of the site, working towards the centre until the bridge deck was demolished. 

Next, the rubble was transported to a lay-down area to enable the centre bridge support columns’ removal. The holes from the support columns were filled with material before the sand and mat protections were cleared from McCowan Road so that it could reopen early on Tuesday morning after the Labour Day long weekend.  

The concrete rubble produced from bridge removal will be crushed and recycled to use as a base for future construction areas at the site. 

Demolition by the numbers 

• 3000 cubic metres: The total amount of concrete in the bridge deck and supporting centre columns. 

• 960: Number of work hours required to complete the demolition (20 people per 12-hour shift x four shifts) 

• 1984: Year the Progress Avenue bridge was built. 

Why remove this bridge? 

Removing this bridge clears the work area for the future Scarborough Centre Station.  

One of three brand new stations on the future Scarborough Subway Extension, Scarborough Centre Station will be a transit gateway for the surrounding community, featuring a large bus terminal served by local TTC and regional routes and fully accessible platforms with modern amenities. 

 When the station is complete, Progress Avenue and McCowan Road will be re-opened as an at-grade intersection, allowing busses easier access to key routes.