Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Advance Tunnel

Expanding transit access in the Greater Toronto Area

The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension (ECWE) Advance Tunnel project is the first phase of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT extension. When completed, the transit line will extend 9.2 kilometers and increase transit access to Etobicoke and Mississauga. In addition to transit access, this project will reduce traffic congestion, provide a more sustainable commuting option and promote economic growth. EXP is the design lead for the Advance Tunnel as part of the WestEnd Connectors team delivering this project.

Designing for connectivity

The new extended transit line will include six new stops and two terminals. The ECWE Advance Tunnel project accounts for about six kilometers of tunneling for the 9.2 kilometer extension. The tunnel design includes a launch shaft, maintenance shaft, extraction shaft, eight headwalls for four stations, four headwalls for two emergency exit buildings, nine cross passages and Eglinton Avenue West road realignment at Scarlett Portal.

To support the new infrastructure, the surrounding area required utility relocations, traffic management plans and design of temporary access roads. EXP conducted geotechnical reports and monitoring, as well as environmental reporting to maintain sustainable and safe practices.

Navigating a complex underground construction landscape

EXP navigated unique ground conditions that required extensive underground construction expertise. Due to the location’s complex geotechnical conditions, additional headwalls were designed at permitted extremely quickly to facilitate emergency tunnel boring machine (TBM) repairs. EXP’s effectiveness and technical precision allowed them to handle these challenges while keeping the project’s progress consistent.

Services

Project Management, Structural, Civil + Roadway, Geotechnical, Hydrogeological, Environmental, Permits + Approvals, Utilities, Stormwater Management, Traffic Management, Traffic Signals, Street Lighting