Tunnel-boring machine (TBM) “Holey” broke through the headwall at the Keele Street extraction shaft on May 1, completing the first tunnelling milestone for the project. Tunnel-boring machine “Moley” broke through on June 4, completing the second tunnel for this section. The extraction shaft, where the tunnel-boring machines arrived, is located in the centre of Keele Street, just south of Finch Avenue West.
Both tunnel-boring machines are now being dismantled and will be moved to the second launch site. Once at the new launch site, they will begin boring the next section of tunnel between Sheppard West Station and Downsview Station.
Moley breaks through the extraction shaft (left) and will soon begin work on the next segment of the subway
The first tunnel drive was 1.6 kilometres long and 2,066 tunnel liners were placed within the tunnel.
You can follow the progress of “Holey” and “Moley” on the TTC website under “Tunnelling Progress” and “Construction Activity Maps”.