By lyndamyer
Using the first of two TBMs, Renny, the tunneling process has commenced on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension in Toronto this week and it is due to excavate the 6km twin tunnels among Renforth Drive and Scarlett Road, while the second TBM, Rexy, will follow in about four weeks. Having a 6.58m diameter, these machines are going to work at a 20m depth and their daily advancement will be around 10-15m.
The intention of this extension project is to add six stations and 9.2km to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, as well as link Scarborough to Mississauga along one continuous route. Locating beneath the construction for about a decade, the main Eglinton Crosstown LRT section is expected to be inaugurated by the end of this year, whereas the scheduled date for completion of the western extension is 2030.
Plans are also being explored for an additional 4.7km extension connecting Renforth Drive and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
