Final Tunnelling Underway for Toronto LRT Expansion

Construction crews have reached a significant stage in the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project, now focusing on the final tunnelling work that will connect the new line to the existing Toronto LRT network at Mount Dennis Station. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This marks a crucial milestone in the 9.2-kilometre expansion of the light rail system.

Don’t miss…Network Rail Takes Action to Prevent Track Overheating This Summer

The extension will introduce seven new stations and provide a direct link to Line 5 Eglinton, a high-speed transit corridor that will stretch from Scarborough through downtown Toronto and into Mississauga. Upon completion, the project will significantly enhance east-west transit options for residents and commuters throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Toronto LRT: Progressing with Tunnel Excavation

Last year, Strabag Inc., a leading infrastructure firm, secured the contract to design and build the underground segment of the line. Crews are now excavating the remaining 500-metre section using the sequential excavation method.

This technique, commonly applied to shorter tunnel segments, involves digging small sections of the tunnel and reinforcing the walls with sprayed concrete after each part is completed. On average, workers progress one to two metres per day.

This final tunnelling phase follows the work of two tunnel boring machines, Renny and Rexy, which completed a 6.3-kilometre stretch of the line last spring. This section runs from Renforth Drive to Scarlett Road, where the rail line will transition from underground to above ground.

Toronto LRT: Elevated Guideway Construction Underway

In addition to the tunnelling work, the construction of a 1.5-kilometre elevated guideway over the Humber River is also progressing. Crews began foundation and pier construction earlier this spring for the bridge that will span from just west of Scarlett Road to east of Jane Street.

With tunnelling now underway at both ends of the line and structural work advancing in the centre, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is quickly transitioning from concept to reality.

Once completed, the project will bring reliable rapid transit to thousands of residents and commuters in west Toronto and Mississauga.

Source, photo: www.railwaypro.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: