By rosebell
The naming contest for the two Herrenknecht TBMs that are due to excavate the tunnels in the southern or downtown section of Toronto’s Ontario Line, has been launched by Metrolinx.
As the first of four for the project, the TBMs have arrived in Canada and construction of the subway tunnel between Exhibition Station and the Don River will be up to them.
Metrolinx is asking the public to take inspiration for the names from local landmarks and history, famous individuals and places, or something unique about the communities the TBMs will travel through.
The determined deadline for submission is June 23 and then there will be a public vote.
Currently at the launch shaft just east of Exhibition Station, where Metrolinx broke ground to prepare for the arrival of the TBMs this autumn, work is undergoing.
Digging twin tunnels almost 6km long beneath Toronto’s downtown, the 16m-deep shaft will be the starting point for the two TBMs.
Following completion, the Ontario Line is going to be a 15.6km subway that will bring 227,500 more people in Toronto within walking distance of transit. It will have 15 stations and more than half the route will be underground.
