The Eglinton Crosstown LRT tunnel boring machines 'Don' and 'Humber' will begin their journey westward on September 29, 2015, marking another milestone toward the completion of the new LRT.
The westbound tunnelling will start from the launch shaft located east of Brentcliffe Rd. and will proceed towards Yonge St. Work on the western segment of the tunnel has been underway since June 2013 with four of the 6.5 kilometres already complete. All tunnelling work is expected to be finished by the end of 2016.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT will be in service by September 2021 and will include:
19 kilometres of light rail transit along Eglinton Ave., including 10 kilometres underground between Keele St. and Laird Dr.
25 stations and stops, linking to bus routes, three subway stations and various GO Transit lines
The new LRT will offer new reliable transit to Toronto residents, integrate transit services, generate jobs, stimulate the economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and manage congestion.
Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan will help connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Ontarians by supporting critical infrastructure projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities all across the province.
Investing more than $130 billion over 10 years in public infrastructure -- the largest infrastructure investment in the province's history -- is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
"We are making great progress on the Crosstown LRT and I am very pleased that we have reached this milestone. By providing light rail transit across the city, we will help thousands of commuters get where they need to be quickly and easily. The Crosstown LRT is further proof of our commitment to manage congestion, keep the region moving, and improve the quality of life for Ontarians." - Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"The Eglinton Crosstown will not only transform the transit landscape for Toronto residents, but it will also help improve connections to the region’s transportation system. The progress we’re making on this project is a true reflection of the important transit investments being made in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area." - Bruce McCuaig, president and CEO, Metrolinx
QUICK FACTS
The tunnel boring machines are 10 metres long, 6.5 metres in diameter and weigh approximately 400 tonnes each.
In November 2012, Metrolinx held an online contest to select names for the four tunnel boring machines needed to dig the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line. ‘Dennis’ and ‘Lea’ represent the neighbourhoods of Mount Dennis and Leaside, and ‘Don’ and ‘Humber’ represent the Don and Humber Rivers.
The Crosstown LRT is expected to provide service that is up to 60 percent faster than current bus service.
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