Eglinton Crosstown Construction Update

Metrolinx is making progress on the Crosstown project. Construction of a launch shaft east of Brentcliffe Road is complete and assembly of two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) is nearing completion. Utility relocation and headwall construction along Eglinton Avenue East between Brentcliffe and Bayview started in January 2014. Some works along the road have been completed and others are progressing well. The Crosstown Team appreciates the patience of our neighbours while we work to build transit.

Launch of tunnel boring machines and tunnelling work in the east

On September 24, 2015, Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca joined the CEO of Metrolinx as well as members of the Crosstown team at the East Tunnels Launch site, east of Brentcliffe Road to mark the beginning of tunnelling on the eastern segment of the 10-kilometre twin tunnels. “Don”, the tunnel boring machine on the north tunnel, has begun its journey to the west on September 29, followed by the south TBM, “Humber”, approximately one month later.

The two TBMs will operate between 10 and 20m below ground, underneath the roadway of Eglinton Avenue East, tunnelling westward to create tunnels 6.5m in diameter at a rate of approximately 10-15m a day on average. Tunnelling work is expected to be finished by the end of 2016 and the Crosstown LRT project will be completed by September 2021. Tunnel boring progress can be tracked on www.thecrosstown.ca

The earth from tunnelling activities is collected by the TBMs and is carried on a conveyor belt back to the launch shaft at Brentcliffe. There, the earth is deposited into a large “muck bin” and stored for removal. Trucks will pick up the earth and transport it to licensed disposal sites. 

Underground tunnelling work and associated works are permitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every effort will be made to keep disruptions to a minimum. Noise and vibration associated with all construction, including tunnelling, can be expected. Construction vehicles and trucks will enter and exit the launch shaft at Brentcliffe for the duration of tunnelling activities. Beeping sounds and backing signals as well as the rattling of the conveyor may be heard at times. Traffic will remain reduced to one lane in each direction along Eglinton Avenue East in the work zone east of Brentcliffe Road during the period of tunnelling.

Construction Progress in the East

Headwalls are support walls for future underground stations. They are required to be in place prior to the arrival of tunnel boring machines at each of the station locations along the Eglinton Line. Utilities such as gas, hydro, water mains, sewers, traffic and street lighting, as well as telephone lines, are required to be moved and relocated to allow for construction.

What work has been completed at Laird Drive?

Utility relocation and headwall construction for the future Laird Station is complete. The jet grout plant on Sutherland Drive has been removed. All lanes of traffic along Eglinton Avenue East between Laird Drive and Sutherland Drive were reopened in late August 2015.

Why is there construction work at Donlea Drive?

Emergency exit buildings (EEBs) are used to evacuate passengers from tunnels in the event of an emergency. There will be an EEB on Eglinton Avenue at Donlea Drive. The construction of an emergency exit building includes the building of an evacuation pathway, a set of stairs from the tunnel to the ground level and a small building. The scale of construction required for this structure is similar to building a small scale underground station.

Construction of the exit corridor, shaft, stairs and the building continue on the south side of Eglinton Avenue East at Donlea Drive.

What will happen at Bayview and Eglinton?

Location of utilities (daylighting and hydrovacuuming) was completed in summer 2015. Utility relocation work and the construction of the Bayview Station headwalls are expected to begin in fall 2015. A notice will be distributed to the neighbourhood before this work begins.

Work Hours

Underground tunnelling and associated surface work is permitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Timelines may be adjusted due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.

The Crosstown Community Office 

We understand that construction can be disruptive, and we will do our best to keep you informed. If you would like more information about the Eglinton Crosstown project, please do not hesitate to contact us. We thank you for your continued patience as we work to build rapid transit.

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