Ontario continues tunneling work for Eglinton Crosstown light-rail line

Next week, tunnel boring machines will begin their westward journey as they make way for Toronto's Eglinton Crosstown Light-Rail Transit (LRT) project.

The westbound tunneling will start from the launch shaft east of Brentcliffe Road and proceed toward Yonge Street, officials from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation said in a press release.

"By providing light-rail transit across the city, we will help thousands of commuters get where they need to be quickly and easily," said Ontario's Minister of Transportation Steven Del Duca.

Work on the western segment of the tunnel has been under way since June 2013, with more than half of the roughly four miles completed.

All tunneling work is slated to be finished by the end of 2016, officials from the ministry said.

The entire 11.8-mile Eglinton Crosstown LRT project is expected to begin running by September 2021. The line will include 6.2 miles of track underground, along with 25 stations and stops.

Additionally, the new route is expected to provide service that is up to 60 percent faster than existing bus service.