News Release
May 25, 2021

The City of Toronto announced today that Bay Street, between Dundas Street West and Gerrard Street West, will remain fully closed for approximately one month, as crews continue ongoing emergency repairs to the underground sewer.

On Friday, May 14, a clay pipe sewer, which dates back to 1878, partially collapsed under Bay Street at Elm Street. City crews immediately responded and closed the above roadway to make the area safe and start repairs. Initially, workers anticipated the repair would take a few days and now expect that it will take approximately one month.

Crews will continue to work around-the-clock to repair the sewer and have the roadway reinstated as soon as possible.

The repair is particularly challenging due in part to the extensive network of underground utility infrastructure that must be carefully navigated (such as water cooling energy systems, gas, hydro and telecommunications lines), difficulty in accessing the damaged site due to high water and debris, and the need for about 15 metres of tunneling to help create additional access points under the roadway to bring repair materials to the site.

People making essential trips near the area are asked to plan ahead, choose an alternate route, follow detour signs that are in place and be patient.

The following full closures will remain in place to keep members of the public and crews in the work zone safe:

  • Bay Street between Dundas Street West and Gerrard Street West
  • Elm Street between Elizabeth Street and Yonge Street

TTC diversions will remain in place for service on the 6 Bay bus route. Full details of the temporary service change are available here

Members of the public may use the Road Restrictions map to plan their essential trips.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca