By Lynda Myer
Launching the second TBM has been done on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension in Toronto.
The excavation process of the second tunnel from Renforth Drive to Scarlett Road, was commenced by TBM Rexy in the previous week, while the first TBM, named Renny, was commissioned in the spring and its daily performance was 10-15m to dig 650m so far.
In order to bore the 6km-long tunnels, the TBMs with 6.58m diameter are under operation which are working at a depth of 20m.
The TBMs are due to be retrieved near Scarlett Road, following completion of this section, where the route will transition to an elevated section, passing over the Humber River, before heading back underground just east of Jane Street, where the extension will link to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Mount Dennis Station.
Connecting Scarborough to Mississauga along one continuous route, the advantages of this expansion project will be adding six stations and 9.2km to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. The estimated date for the inauguration of the main Eglinton Crosstown LRT section, which has been under construction for about a decade, is the end of this year, while the western extension is slated to be completed in 2030. Plans are also being explored to extend the line even further to Pearson International Airport.
