Man charged after vehicle gets stuck in Queens Quay tunnel
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A Toronto man is facing numerous charges after police said a vehicle was driven into the TTC’s Queens Quay tunnel Tuesday and became stuck.
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This is the latest incident for the tunnel that has seen dozens of motorists who have mistakenly driven into the transit-only route toward the underground stops.
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The TTC alerted commuters to service disruptions on the 509 Harbourfront and 510 Spadina streetcars on social media after a vehicle entered the eastbound tunnel around the noon hour and was abandoned near Union Station. The vehicle was described as a grey Honda sedan.
Shuttle buses replaced streetcar service, the TTC said.
Drivers warned before entering
Before entering the tunnel, multiple signs, flashing lights, bollards and rumble strips warn motorists to not proceed as there is no vehicular access due to the raised track.
TTC service at Union Station didn’t resume until four hours later after workers removed the vehicle, the transit agency said in a later update.
Toronto Police said the vehicle was allegedly stolen and arrested a 40-year-old man a short time later.
Suspect charged
Police said James Macadam is facing numerous offences including dangerous driving and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
A final list of charges is still being finalized, police said in an email Wednesday. No injuries were reported.
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In March 2018, two vehicles within a week entered the tunnel and became stuck. At the time, the TTC said there were 25 instances of vehicles entering the tunnel since 2014.
To help put a end to service disruptions from wayward drivers, the TTC installed two 10-foot access gates in 2018 to alert motorists from proceeding any further.
“No excuses for cars entering the tunnel,” the transit agency shared on social media at the time.
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Despite the increased measures to keep vehicles out of the tunnel, the incidents didn’t stop.
In January 2020, the elderly driver of an SUV followed a streetcar into the tunnel while the gate was open and made it all the way to Union Station before getting stuck.
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