PCL preparing to “Chip” into second drift tunnel at Toronto airport

PCL Constructors has lowered “Chip,” a $2-million tunnel boring machine, into a tunnel shaft to begin work on the second of seven drift tunnels for the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBTCA) Pedestrian Tunnel project.

The tunnel shafts will form the walkway’s crown, which will create a pedestrian footpath across the western gap to the airport.

PCL is the lead contractor for the $82.5-million P3 project between the Toronto Port Authority and Forum Equity Partners, a Canadian infrastructure development and investment firm.

The 800-ft. long walkway will be approximately 10 stories below ground and will be equipped with four moving sidewalks.

The BBTCA served approximately two million passengers in 2012.

The project has an expected completion date of spring 2014.
 
Sources: Forum Equity Partners and Toronto Port Authority.