Toronto (May 27, 2013) – Toronto Port Authority (TPA) has announced that the seven drift tunnels that will form the crown of the pedestrian tunnel to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport have been completed. The accomplishment will allow for the next phase of construction.
“The completion of the seven drift tunnels is a major project milestone,” said Geoffrey Wilson, TPA President and CEO. “It marks the end of an important phase of construction that takes us one step closer to providing passengers with fast and efficient access to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.”
The seven interlocking drift tunnels, three of which will house City of Toronto water and sanitary mains, will form a crown that will prevent water ingress. The drifts were completed using two Canadian-made boring machines dubbed “Chip” and “Dale”. The machines will now move onto the project’s next phase, which facilitates the excavation of the main pedestrian tunnel.
Construction began on the pedestrian tunnel in March 2012. The tunnel will link Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to the mainland and provide enhanced service and convenient access for the airport’s users. Project completion is expected in mid-2014.
About the Toronto Port Authority (www.torontoport.com)
The Toronto Port Authority (TPA) owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the Port of Toronto (Terminals 51 and 52), and Toronto's Outer Harbour Marina. In addition to moving more than two million passengers through the airport in 2012, the Port Authority provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port, and owns and operates Toronto’s largest freshwater marina. The Toronto Port Authority was incorporated on June 8, 1999 as a government business enterprise under the Canada Marine Act as the successor to the Toronto Harbour Commissioners.
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Media Contacts:
Toronto Port Authority
Pamela McDonald
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Tel: (416) 863-2028 or (647) 405-8185 (mobile)
E-mail:
pmcdonald@torontoport.com