Metrolinx buys tunnel boring machines for Eglinton Crosstown LRT project

Construction is set to begin for the new Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit project.

Metrolinx has ordered four giant tunnel boring machines to carve out the underground section.

The massive machines cost  $54-million.

They will be used to tunnel about 12 kilometres for the underground stations along Eglinton Avenue, from Black Creek Drive to Laird Avenue.

The boring machines will also be used to extend the subway system up to York Region.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project will take more cars off the road, improve air quality, create approximately 46,000 jobs, reduce travel times and support a stronger regional transit system in the GTA.

The project's estimated cost is $4.6-billion and is expected to be complete by 2020.