Tunnel boring machines make first cut into Toronto extension project

The Eglinton Crosstown West extension project will connect to the first phase of the Eglinton Crosstown project (above) sometime in 2023 or 2024.

The tunnel boring machines on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project got their first taste of work on April 11.

The machines, named Rexy and Renny, officially started construction, which involves tunneling around 9 km to the Eglinton Crosstown line. The first phase of the route is expected to be substantially complete later in 2022. Work on the extension will wrap up sometime in 2023 or 2024.

The boring machines began their mission at the Renforth launch shaft site and will produce twin tunnels that will run under Eglinton Avenue west to Scarlett Road. Rexy and Renny will be about 20 meters deep and are expected to advance 10 to 15 meters a day.

Construction of the extraction shaft at Scarlett Road is expected to start this spring.

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