Tunnel Boring Machine Assembly For 7 Line Subway Extension Commences

7 Line Extension7 Line Extension, originally uploaded by plemeljr

First of Two Machines Will Drill 7,100-Foot Tunnels from 11th Avenue and 25th Street to Times Square:

today, a 100-ton tunnel boring machine (TBM) was lowered under 11th Avenue marking the start of excavation work for the 7 line subway extension project. The $2.1 billion project, funded by the City and managed by the MTA, will help transform the Hudson Yards vicinity into a vibrant 24-hour neighborhood, containing a mix of commercial, residential, retail, open space and recreational uses.

The piece of the TBM lowered today near the intersection of 25th Street and 11th Avenue, known as the “cutter head,” has forty-four rotating discs that will drill a tunnel to Times Square. During the project, two TBMs will excavate two, 7,100 foot-long tunnels.