Ontario Line

Ontario Line Truck Route Safety Plan

Introduction

The Ontario Line is a transformative transit project that extends through some of Toronto’s most vibrant and densely populated neighbourhoods. As with all of Metrolinx’s projects and operations, safety is at the forefront of what we do. Recognizing the unique complexity and scale associated with Ontario Line, Metrolinx is taking the additional step of developing this Truck Safety Plan to ensure that all construction-related truck traffic is managed to safeguard the public, respect local communities, and maintain efficient project operations, given the sheer number of truck movements needed in some of the densest parts of the City. While the construction of new transit infrastructure naturally entails heavy vehicle movements, this plan outlines a structured approach to planning, monitoring, and adjusting truck routes to minimize the negative impacts of these activities.

Because the Ontario Line intersects a wide range of land uses, including residential neighbourhoods, business districts, parkland, and school areas, this plan acknowledges the realities of working within a constrained urban environment. By partnering closely with the City of Toronto (the City) and contractors, Metrolinx aims to implement a consistent framework for truck routing that is safe, adaptable, and transparent.

Purpose

The purpose of this Truck Safety Plan is to provide a clear and enforceable framework for selecting, managing, and continuously monitoring truck routes used for Ontario Line construction traffic. The plan aims to protect public safety and community quality of life while supporting efficient project delivery. It is a living document that will be updated in collaboration with the City of Toronto as construction progresses and priorities evolve.

Commitment to Public Safety

Public safety is the cornerstone of this Truck Safety Plan. From the initial development of truck route criteria to the day-to-day monitoring of truck movements, the highest priority is ensuring the well-being of all road users, especially the most vulnerable, such as pedestrians, cyclists, children, and older adults. Metrolinx is implementing measures that reduce the likelihood of conflicts, limit disturbances caused by truck traffic, and support clear, consistent communication with everyone who might be affected.

To ensure the effectiveness of these actions, Metrolinx will:

• Systematically evaluate safety impacts of all proposed truck routes, proactively identifying and mitigating potential hazards with our contracting partners and the City.
• Implement robust mitigation strategies, including clear and effective signage, driver awareness programs, and traffic control measures.
• Strictly enforce adherence to established truck routes and time-of-day restrictions.
• Regularly monitor truck routes for compliance and safety performance.
• Maintain transparent communication with the City, residents, and elected officials.
• Act promptly on public concerns and complaints.

Every aspect of truck route planning, decision making, and management is guided by these principles, reflecting Metrolinx’s dedication to safeguarding residents and ensuring a positive relationship with local communities.

Goals and Objectives

Ensuring the safe and efficient movement of construction traffic requires clear targets that guide every decision and action. The following goals and objectives form the foundation of this plan, serving as benchmarks for selecting truck routes, implementing mitigation measures, and collaborating with all stakeholders:

1. Prioritize Public Safety: Adopt a safety-first philosophy that actively reduces risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
2. Minimize Community Impacts: Lower noise, traffic congestion, and air quality concerns by selecting routes that avoid sensitive areas whenever practical.
3. Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to municipal bylaws, provincial regulations, and Metrolinx policies and procedures to maintain responsible and lawful operations.
4. Support Operational Efficiency: Implement route planning that limits delays, traffic disruptions, and construction inefficiencies.
5. Promote Transparency and Accountability: Maintain open communication, swift resolution of complaints, and regular engagement with residents and stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities

Effective truck route management depends on clear accountability and collaboration among Metrolinx, the City, and contractors. Each group has distinct roles in ensuring public safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in a typical Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed (RACI) structure.

Metrolinx

Leads coordination, monitors compliance, updates route mapping, and serves as the primary interface for community communication and complaint management. Metrolinx also enforces contract requirements and takes corrective action if contractors deviate from approved truck routes. Metrolinx is the “Accountable” party in a typical RACI structure.

Contractors

Develop proposed truck routes in alignment with established criteria, actively monitor compliance, communicate route changes promptly to Metrolinx, and ensure adherence by their drivers and subcontractors. Contractors are the “Responsible” party in a typical RACI structure.

City of Toronto

Collaborates closely with Metrolinx, reviewing proposed truck routes, highlighting potential concerns, and providing feedback and guidance. Although not formally approving routes, the City acknowledges its support for collaboratively established strategies. In general, the City is either “Consulted” or “Informed” in a typical RACI structure however, they could be an “Accountable” or “Responsible” party where regulatory measures are required.

Structure of the Plan

This report consists of two main sections:

1. Main Document: Outlines the purpose, goals, objectives, guiding principles, roles and responsibilities, general truck route selection criteria, key mitigation strategies, monitoring, enforcement, and public communication approaches.
2. Appendices: Provide detailed, site-specific truck route maps.

Together, these sections form a comprehensive, adaptable framework designed to ensure safe and effective management of construction truck movements throughout the Ontario Line project.

By dividing the content in this way, the plan ensures clarity at the broad policy level while permitting flexibility and nuance at the site level.

Truck Route Selection Criteria

The following criteria establish a consistent framework for identifying, selecting and approving truck routes for the Ontario Line project. These criteria prioritize safety, minimize community impacts, and ensure compliance with regulatory and operational standards.

Except for regulatory requirements, these criteria are intended to serve as a general framework for identifying suitable truck routes. Due to the complex and constrained operating environment of the Ontario Line, it may not be feasible to fully meet all criteria in every instance. Where deviations are necessary, appropriate mitigation strategies will be implemented to minimize impacts and maintain safety and compliance. As such, all criteria should be viewed through the lens of “where possible”.

Regulatory Framework/Compliance

The City of Toronto Code Chapter 950 (the Code) establishes regulations for the movement of heavy vehicles on City roads, which are enforceable under the Highway Traffic Act. In particular, the Code defines a Heavy Vehicle as a Commercial Motor Vehicle that weighs three tonnes or more when unloaded or five tonnes or more when loaded. It also identifies a network of streets where Heavy Vehicles are restricted or prohibited. The Code is buttressed by the Highway Traffic Act, which establishes provincial rules for the safe operation of Commercial Motor Vehicles, including driver obligations, load limits, and equipment standards. Together, the Code and the Highway Traffic Act form the regulatory framework that governs the planning, approval, and day‑to‑day management of truck routes in this plan.

Every truck route proposed for the Ontario Line must comply with all City and Provincial regulations that govern Commercial Motor Vehicles. All construction-related vehicles classified as Commercial Motor Vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act, regardless of weight, must travel only on pre‑approved truck routes unless the City and Metrolinx jointly grant an exemption. For clarity, no exemptions will be issued for regulatory requirements such as travel on prohibited roads. Drivers are required to follow designated truck routes, obey all traffic laws, and respect posted restrictions at all times.

Road Suitability and Traffic Operations

Routes should prioritize roads that can accommodate the weight and size of construction vehicles. Narrow residential streets or roads with inadequate turning radii, on-street parking, low clearance bridges, or poor pavement condition should be avoided unless no other options exist. In areas with streetcar tracks or heavy pedestrian volumes, special caution and time-of-day restrictions may be required. More specifically, truck routes should:

• Use roads designed to handle commercial vehicle volumes and weights, primarily arterial and collector roads.
• Connect strategically to key corridors and support direct access to the Don Valley Parkway, Gardiner Expressway, Hwy 401, and contractor facilities to reduce local impacts.
• Attempt to avoid routes with inadequate road geometry, turning radii, load restrictions, poor pavement, or low-clearance bridges.
• Minimize the use of roads with active streetcar lines.
• Avoid routes with designated cycling routes and areas with high pedestrian movements.
• Minimize truck activity near school zones and other sensitive land uses.
• Minimize congestion and peak hour conflicts.

Community Impacts

Truck routes should attempt to avoid roads that pass near schools, daycares, hospitals, or long-term care facilities. Parks, recreational areas, and zones with high pedestrian traffic should be bypassed when feasible. If operating in sensitive areas is unavoidable, contractors must propose enhanced mitigation such as reduced speeds, time-restricted operation, off-site staging areas and enhanced public communication.

Operational Flexibility

Alternate routes or detour plans must be developed to support road closures associated with special events, planned maintenance work or emergencies. Coordination with other infrastructure projects is essential to prevent compounding traffic impacts. Contractors should also ensure staging and holding areas are available so trucks do not queue on public roads.

Truck Route Approval Process & Phases

Although Metrolinx construction vehicles are legally permitted to operate on non-restricted roadways in the City, Metrolinx and the City work collaboratively to identify and agree upon designated truck routes. These routes are selected primarily based on the criteria outlined in this plan.

The truck route approval process is integrated into the broader planning and construction approval stages and involves Metrolinx, the City, and local stakeholders, including City Councillors, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), and community representatives. The length of this process varies however each truck route requires rigorous planning, the development of technical documentation, and ongoing consultation. Final route selections are confirmed through a collaborative process that includes formal review and sign-off by the City.

The following section outlines the key steps and approximate timelines for each phase of the truck route approval process.

Traffic and Transit Management Plan - Planning

At the early planning stage of a project, Metrolinx provides the City with details about upcoming construction activities, while the City outlines applicable requirements and considerations. This exchange forms the basis for coordinated discussions between Metrolinx and City staff, ultimately initiating the formal technical review process.

A key output of this coordination is the development of a planning-level Temporary Traffic Management Plan (TTMP). Prepared by Metrolinx and reviewed by the City, the TTMP outlines anticipated full or partial road closures required to support construction within the municipal right-of-way. The document also includes preliminary truck route maps, which serve as guidance for municipal review but may be refined or adjusted by contractors during detailed design and construction.

The TTMP plays a foundational role in guiding City Council’s review and approval of road closures and other key traffic-related elements associated with planned Metrolinx construction. The full preparation, review, and sign-off process for the TTMP typically requires up to six months.

Traffic and Transit Management Plan - Construction

Following the planning stage, Metrolinx’s contractor prepares detailed, construction-level TTMPs in coordination with both Metrolinx and the City. These documents include proposed truck routes that reflect the contractor’s specific construction approach and may differ from the planning-level routes due to evolving site conditions and new external factors. These may include nearby construction activities, ongoing City capital works, and permitted street events that were not known at the time of initial route development.

The identification of construction-level truck routes, truck access points, and site-specific mitigation strategies is informed by additional consultation with the City and engagement with local stakeholders. This coordination process typically takes between three and six months to complete.

Once agreed upon, the finalized truck route details and associated mitigation measures are incorporated into a Traffic Control Plan (TCP). The TCP forms part of the contractor’s road cut or occupancy permit application submitted to the City, which is required to obtain formal approval to proceed with construction within the municipal right-of-way.

Pre-construction Road Cut/Road Occupancy Permit

Metrolinx’s contractor is responsible for providing detailed information related to construction site management, including proposed truck access points and truck routes. These details are documented through Traffic Control Plans (TCPs) and other site-specific management documents. The City reviews the submitted TCPs along with associated health and safety mitigation plans, and provides technical guidance as well as formal approval to proceed with construction within the municipal right-of-way.

The full process, from document preparation by the contractor to final review and approval by the City, typically takes between one and three months, depending on the complexity of the site and the scope of proposed activities.

During Construction

Once construction-level planning is underway, a Traffic Management Committee (TMC) or equivalent forum is typically established for each Metrolinx construction site or contract. The TMC includes representatives from the contractor, the City of Toronto, and Metrolinx, and meets regularly, often weekly or bi-weekly, to coordinate and resolve issues related to traffic safety and construction work zone management.

One of the TMC’s primary functions is to develop, monitor, and update truck routes throughout the course of construction. This includes responding to temporary conditions such as adjacent construction activity, street events, or unplanned road closures. The TMC also works to ensure that all parties adhere to designated routes and maintain safe operations at all times.

Site-specific truck route details and Traffic Control Plans (TCPs) include individual route maps, control measures, and traffic management strategies tailored to each work site. These strategies may include peak hour restrictions, detour plans, or other localized interventions. This coordination process continues for the full duration of construction to ensure that truck movements remain safe, responsive, and consistent with project and community needs.

Community Engagement

Metrolinx undertakes structured community engagement at key checkpoints throughout the planning, pre-construction, and construction stages of each project. These engagements are designed to inform and consult neighbourhood stakeholders directly affected by construction activities. As work progresses, Metrolinx shares evolving details about construction timelines, truck access points, and anticipated truck routes, with a particular focus on traffic safety and local impacts.

Engagement activities typically include public Open Houses, Construction Liaison Committee (CLC) meetings, and regular on-site walks held with residents, business owners, and community representatives. These sessions provide opportunities for stakeholders to ask questions, raise concerns, and offer input specific to truck movements and safety risks in their communities.

Feedback received through these engagements is actively considered and incorporated into route planning and mitigation strategies where feasible. Because Ontario Line construction spans multiple years, community engagement is ongoing and evolves to reflect changing site conditions, project milestones, and community priorities. 

Mitigation Toolbox

The mitigation toolbox defines a set of measures to address potential hazards, reduce community disturbances, and maintain operational efficiency. Contractors and Metrolinx will collaboratively select and apply these strategies based on site conditions, feedback from the City, and ongoing monitoring data.

Traffic Control Measures

• Regulatory Devices – In sensitive areas, such as school zones and residential areas, additional traffic controls such as reduced speed limits, truck prohibitions, and turn restrictions should be considered. These measures are enforceable under the Highway Traffic Act.
• Signage and Pavement Markings – To support wayfinding and reinforce existing prohibitions, supplemental “temporary condition” or guide signs can be installed along truck routes. These signs will provide positive guidance to drivers and support compliance. Where necessary, pavement markings can be added to highlight sensitive areas and provide additional guidance.
• Temporary Traffic Signals and Signal Timing – Where the movement of trucks to and from a construction site is challenging, temporary traffic signals should be considered. At existing traffic signals, the addition of protected phases (e.g. a left turn phase or dedicated pedestrian phase) or adjustments to signal timing should be considered.
• Paid Duty Officers, Traffic Wardens or School Crossing Guards – Where signals, signs and markings are not sufficient, they can be supplemented with Paid Duty Officers (PDOs), Traffic Wardens or School Crossing Guards. While these measures support and promote existing regulations, it must be noted that they’re limited in both time and availability (i.e. not available 24/7). As such, they should be used to support rather than replace other regulations.

Driver Awareness and Education

• Route Familiarization - Before project activities begin, drivers receive an overview of designated truck routes, identifying all key restrictions, time limitations, and critical safety considerations. Drivers are required to sign an acknowledgement form stating that they understand and will adhere to the truck route. They also acknowledge that there are consequences associated with non-compliance.
• Defensive Driving and Vulnerable Road User Awareness – Contractors will be provided with additional guidance and awareness materials (e.g., safety briefings, information sessions, toolbox talks) focused on operating construction vehicles in dense urban environments and recognizing the vulnerabilities of cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized road users, particularly at intersections and in heavily populated corridors.

Noise and Emissions Reduction

• Anti-Idling - Prohibit engine idling in residential areas or near sensitive land uses like schools and hospitals.
• Noise Barriers & Temporary Fencing – Where practical, install noise barriers, fencing or other noise muffling/reduction devices to mitigate the impact of noise on adjacent land uses.

Time of Day Restrictions

• Peak Hour Avoidance - Limit the movement of truck traffic during peak commuting times.
• Sensitive Area Scheduling - Restrict truck movements near schools during arrival and dismissal times or around other sensitive land uses, such as hospitals, during high traffic hours.

Staging and Holding Areas

• Off-Street Queuing - Establish designated truck queuing areas away from busy public roads to prevent traffic congestion and minimize disruptions to nearby residents and businesses.
• Remote Staging Locations - Use areas farther from the construction site for clustering trucks until they are needed, helping to control the flow into sensitive zones.

Targeted Enforcement

• Spot Checks and Audits - Routine monitoring of truck traffic to ensure compliance with approved truck routes.
• Penalties and Corrective Actions – Issue warnings, fines, or suspensions to violators. Fines must be levied by the Police.

These mitigation measures are designed to be flexible. Contractors may adapt or combine different elements from the toolbox to address unique local issues or respond to changing project conditions.

Monitoring and Enforcement

As noted throughout, Metrolinx is committed to developing and implementing truck routes that prioritize public safety, respect local communities, and support efficient construction operations. A critical part of this commitment is the ability to monitor and enforce approved truck routes in collaboration with our contracting partners. To support this, Metrolinx has implemented the following measures to promote compliance.

Awareness and Education

Awareness and education are foundational to any successful truck route compliance strategy. Contractors and drivers must clearly understand which routes are approved, what restrictions apply, and why these measures are in place. Without this knowledge, even well-intentioned teams can inadvertently deviate from the plan.

To support compliance, Metrolinx takes a proactive approach that includes clear guidance, consistent communication, and practical resources. As part of this, drivers are introduced to designated routes through formal route familiarization before project activities begin. This includes a review of key restrictions, time limitations, and safety considerations. Drivers are required to sign an acknowledgement form confirming their understanding of the route and the consequences of non-compliance.

Additional awareness materials are provided to contractors to reinforce defensive driving practices and highlight the importance of protecting vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. These materials may include safety briefings, information sessions, and toolbox talks tailored to the challenges of operating construction vehicles in dense urban environments.

Spot Inspections

To reinforce compliance and ensure that truck route requirements are being followed in practice, Metrolinx staff and our City partners conduct both scheduled and unannounced spot inspections. These inspections serve as a critical enforcement tool to identify and address potential issues in real time. Inspectors verify that appropriate signage is posted, that drivers are aware of and understand the approved routes, and that no infractions are occurring. Spot checks may also include confirmation of vehicle documentation, route adherence, and safe driving behaviour. When issues are identified, immediate corrective action will be taken.

Public Input

While formal monitoring and inspections are essential tools for ensuring compliance, Metrolinx recognizes that it is not possible to track the movement of every construction-related vehicle across the road network. As such, public input plays a vital role in identifying potential violations and promoting accountability. Residents are often the first to observe trucks straying from approved routes or operating in an unsafe manner, and their feedback is an important supplement to formal oversight measures.

To support this, Metrolinx has established multiple channels for reporting concerns. Residents can call our 24-hour hotline at 416-202-5100 or email OntarioLine@metrolinx.com to report a truck-related incident. Each complaint is logged and assigned for investigation, with staff working to determine whether a violation has occurred and what corrective action is required. A defined communication protocol ensures that complainants are informed of the findings and any actions taken.

This transparent approach helps build public trust and empowers the community to take an active role in promoting safety and compliance across the corridor. The latest construction information, including updates on truck routes and project activities, is available at metrolinx.com/OntarioLineConstruction.

Complaint Resolution & Enforcement

When a truck route violation is identified and verified, whether through public complaints, inspections, or direct observation, Metrolinx takes action to address the issue and prevent recurrence. To this end, we are working with our contracting partners to establish a consistent framework for managing violations while recognizing the varying contexts across different contracts.

If a driver has received the required training and signed the route acknowledgment form, any deviation from the designated route is considered a serious infraction and results in removal from the job site under our zero-tolerance policy. For new or first-time drivers who have not yet been trained or signed the form, a warning may be issued and onboarding completed as soon as possible. It’s important to recognize that some deliveries involve third-party vendors making one-time or infrequent visits to the site. While efforts are made to communicate truck route expectations in advance, violations may occur. Depending upon the seriousness of the infraction, new or first-time drivers may be removed from the job site.

Consequences for contractors are more clearly defined when it comes to sub-contractors and brokers. In general, any sub-contractor or broker who receives two verified violations will be removed from the job site. Metrolinx expects prime contractors to actively manage their supply chains and ensure compliance at all levels. While each contract is unique, Metrolinx will enforce the removal of non-compliant parties wherever contractually possible. Although commercial and logistical realities are considered, accountability will be applied firmly and consistently to protect public safety and uphold the integrity of the truck route program.

This approach is designed to maintain a balance between strong enforcement and operational practicality, reinforcing our shared responsibility to prioritize safety, minimize community disruption, and uphold project integrity.

Future Considerations

As the Ontario Line project continues to grow in scale and complexity, Metrolinx is actively exploring new tools to enhance oversight and improve compliance with truck route requirements. Currently, there is limited ability to track individual vehicle movements or readily identify trucks associated with Ontario Line construction. Addressing this gap is a priority.

One option under consideration is requiring contractors to equip trucks with GPS technology that enables Metrolinx to monitor movements in real time. Designated haul routes could be geo-fenced so that any deviation would automatically trigger an alert and prompt a compliance review. Another potential measure is mandating visible vehicle identification, such as decals or signage, to allow the public and enforcement teams to easily recognize trucks performing Ontario Line work. These enhancements would support greater transparency, improve response to violations, and strengthen overall accountability.

Incident Response and Investigation

In the unfortunate event that a truck associated with Ontario Line construction is involved in a collision, Metrolinx and its contractors take the matter extremely seriously. Public safety is a top priority, and clear procedures are in place to ensure that every incident is managed swiftly, transparently, and in full compliance with safety regulations.

Immediate Response

If a member of the public is struck by a truck working on the Ontario Line:

• The contractor is required to respond immediately, calling emergency services and securing the scene to prevent further harm.
• The site must be preserved as much as possible to support a proper investigation.
• Metrolinx is notified immediately through its 24-hour Network Operations Centre (NOC), which initiates internal alerts and notifies senior safety officials.
• If required, regulatory authorities such as the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Transportation are also contacted.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents involving injury to a member of the public automatically trigger a formal investigation led by a trained Local Investigator. This investigator:

• Reviews the full circumstances of the incident, including driver training records, vehicle route compliance, time of day, weather conditions, and road safety conditions.
• Collects evidence such as CCTV footage, witness statements, and vehicle data logs.
• Works closely with the contractor and Metrolinx safety teams to identify contributing factors and root causes.
• If the incident is serious, such as involving life-altering injury or a fatality, it may be escalated to a Deep Dive Investigation, led by the Metrolinx Accident Investigation Department with participation from multiple internal teams and external regulators.

Corrective Action and Accountability

Following the investigation of a truck-related incident, Metrolinx works with the involved contractor to develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). The purpose of the CAP is to address the root causes of the incident and implement meaningful changes that reduce the risk of a similar event occurring in the future.

Each CAP is tailored to the specific circumstances of the incident. It may include a range of actions such as adjustments to operational procedures, improvements to communication protocols, additional driver education, or enhancements to site safety practices. The goal is to identify what went wrong, understand why it happened, and put practical, effective measures in place to prevent recurrence.

The CAP is developed collaboratively between Metrolinx and the contractor, based on the findings of the investigation. It includes clearly defined actions, timelines, and responsibilities, and is documented in Metrolinx’s safety management system. Once implemented, the CAP is audited by Metrolinx to ensure that the actions implemented by the contractor have had the intended effect and are contributing to safer operations across the project.

Ongoing Oversight

Metrolinx’s commitment to public safety extends well beyond the initial investigation and response to an incident. Once a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) has been implemented, Metrolinx conducts a formal follow-up review approximately 60 days later to assess whether the actions taken are achieving the intended results.

This review evaluates the effectiveness of each corrective measure and considers whether additional steps may be needed. The evaluation may look at indicators such as changes in driver behavior, reductions in similar incidents, and feedback from field personnel and the public. If the actions are found to be insufficient or only partially effective, they are revised or supplemented to ensure stronger results.

In addition to these case-specific reviews, Metrolinx maintains an ongoing safety oversight function. This includes monitoring trends across the project, auditing compliance with truck route protocols, and conducting random reviews of completed investigations. The goal is to ensure that corrective actions are not only followed, but also lead to lasting improvements in how construction-related traffic is managed.

Importantly, lessons learned from each investigation are shared across Metrolinx. This helps identify systemic issues, raise awareness among contractors and drivers, and reinforce a culture of accountability and safety. By treating every incident as an opportunity to learn and improve, Metrolinx strengthens its ability to protect the public and maintain safe construction practices throughout the life of the project.