Tunnelling: What you may experience

Dear Neighbour:

As you may know, the Eglinton Crosstown includes a 10-kilometre underground portion, between Keele Street and Laird Drive.For the tunnelled portion, we have tunnel boring machines (TBMs) operating around the clock - 24 hours a day, seven days week.

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, short-term noise and vibration may be experienced, and will subside as the machines advance along their paths.

Status

Currently two TBMs are driving east from east of Chaplin Crescent, and two more are moving west from west of Laird Drive. 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.