TBM shield lowered for Regional Connector
26 October 2016US - The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) held a naming and lowering ceremony for the TBM that will dig twin 1.1-mile (1.7km) rail tunnels for the Regional Connector Transit Project on October 19.
Excavation work is expected to begin in January 2017 for the USD 1.55bn light rail project that will connect the Blue, Expo, and Gold lines in downtown Los Angeles and will include three new stations at 1st Street/Central Avenue, 2nd Street/Broadway and 2nd Place/Hope Street. Construction is expected to be completed in 2021.
“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 Board chair and Duarte city council member John Fasana. “The Regional Connector will reduce travel times for many Metro Rail riders and make our system much more convenient and attractive to those who want a transit alternative to driving.”
Regional Connect Constructors (RCC) a JV of Skanska/Traylor with lead designer Mott MacDonald, is building the project. The 21.5ft (6.5m) diameter TBM is manufactured by Herrenknecht.
