Tunnelling: What you may experience

As you may know, the Eglinton Crosstown includes a 10-kilometre underground portion, between Keele Street and Laird Drive. For the tunnelled portion, locomotives run along interim track and transport materials and haul spoils in and out of the tunnels to the extraction shafts. Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and muck removal operations run around the clock - 24 hours a day.

On average, the tunnel boring machines each travel approximately 10-15 metres per day. TBMs are working approximately 16-20 metres below ground, but we sometimes hear from nearby residents who may experience noise and vibration from the TBMs as they pass through the area.

In most cases, detectable levels of noise and vibration are possible depending on where the TBMs are working at any given time. For example, as the TBMs drive through various soil conditions, vibration can or may be more discernable. Also, in the evenings and overnight hours when street level traffic is reduced, TBM activity may be more easily recognized.

As the TBMs progress, temporary noise and vibration may be experienced, and will subside as the machines advance along their paths. If you experience any noise and vibration, please contact our community relations offices for more information.

Status

Currently, two TBMs are driving east from east of Oriole Parkway and Lascelles Boulevard, and two more are moving west from Donlea Drive and Bayview Avenue. The tunnelling work by two TBMs from the west is anticipated to be finished in spring 2016 whereas the two from the east will wrap up in fall 2016. You can track the four TBMs with our TBM tracker.

Metrolinx works closely with the City of Toronto, as well as local elected officials to monitor any situation of concern or disruptions that are connected to the Crosstown’s construction. We know that during construction residents will be inconvenienced, and we work hard to keep people informed. We thank you for your patience as we deliver this important transit expansion project.