Digging deep on the new Scarborough Subway Extension
Construction crews dig even deeper to make way for the subway project’s tunnel boring machine.
Oct 7, 2021
It’s all hands on deck at the corner of Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road as crews pick up the pace to build Scarborough’s new subway line.
Building a new subway tunnel in the heart of Scarborough is a complex undertaking – the launch shaft alone will be about 80 metres long, 30 metres wide, and 25 metres deep. For comparison, a standard Olympic-sized swimming pool is about 50 metres long, 25 metres wide, and 2 metres deep.
Metrolinx has brought a team on board with a wealth of experience to take on this mammoth task. The tunnel contractor, Strabag, is an Austrian-based company that has built complex transportation infrastructure in more than 60 countries.
Now, teams are taking a big bite out of the launch shaft – where the tunnel boring machine will go into the ground to start digging. As you can see, crews are making great progress.
Excavators and other heavy machinery are digging deep to build the launch shaft for the tunnel boring machine. (Metrolinx image)
The drill rigs have moved out and the excavators have moved in to dig out and remove materials from site to create a hole big enough for the tunnel boring machine. As excavators dig through the earth, materials like soil and rock are removed and taken off the site by truck.
With excavation work now in full swing, safety remains a top priority. People in the area can expect increased truck traffic at the intersection of McCowan and Sheppard, so Metrolinx is reminding drivers and community members alike to be extra mindful of their surroundings.
Residents can actually sneak a peek at the work happening through a new window sign at McCowan and Sheppard in Scarborough. (Metrolinx image)
Last month, crews completed the drilling of over 300 reinforced concrete columns to support the launch shaft for the tunnel boring machine, which will go down into the depths next year and start the journey south to Kennedy Station. These columns – known in the construction industry as “piles” – have created a stable, water-tight barrier around the edge of the excavated area.
A comparative look at the construction site before and after pile drilling. (Metrolinx image)
All this work is in anticipation of the tunnel boring machine arriving early next year.
The custom-built machine is full manufactured and assembled in Herrenkneckt’s facility in Germany and will be making its way across the Atlantic Ocean by boat. This fall, Metrolinx will be kick-starting a contest to name the mighty machine – stay tuned for details right here on Metrolinx News.
The tunnel boring machine for the Scarborough Subway Extension during factory testing in Germany last week.
Stay tuned for updates on our webpage and Twitter channel regarding upcoming virtual or in-person events to learn more about the project and share your feedback.
Metrolinx’s dedicated community relations team is here for you through every phase of construction. If you have questions or comments, reach out to us through our 24/7 hotline at (416) 202-7900 or email us at ScarboroughSubwayExtension@Metrolinx.com.
