L.A. Metro lowers piece of boring machine for Regional Connector project

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) yesterday lowered a piece of the tunnel boring machine that will dig twin 1.1-mile rail tunnels for the Regional Connector project in downtown L.A.

Dubbed "Angeli," the 1,000-ton machine will advance about 60 feet per day once digging begins, Metro official said in a press release.

Built in Germany by Herrenknecht AG, the machine will begin excavation in January 2017, starting from the northeast corner of 1st and Alameda streets.

"This is a major milestone toward the completion of a vital project that truly connects the region by providing a one-seat ride to downtown Los Angeles for users of the Blue, Gold and Expo lines," said Metro Chair John Fasana.

The $1.55 billion Regional Connector project is a 1.9-mile underground light-rail tunnel that will connect the Blue, Expo and Gold lines. Expected to serve 88,000 riders each day, the new line will feature three new stations.