Mammoet lifted a 2,050T tunnel boring machine named ‘Diggy Stardust’ and lowered it down 30 metres into a deep launch shaft in Toronto, Ontario.

The ‘Diggy Stardust’ tunnel boring machine will be used to install a 10.7-metre diameter single subway tunnel. This tunnel, which will accommodate trains travelling in both directions, will be the first of its kind in the city. Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario are working together to deliver the Scarborough Subway Extension. It is estimated to be complete by 2029-30. ‘Diggy Stardust’  will then travel south, 7.8km, at a speed of approximately 10 metres a day.

The Mammoet Canada used a 600 ton, or about 544 metric tonne, crawler crane as well as a customised gantry to assemble, and safely lower three components. It took the team five days to lower the three necessary components, which include the shield machine, tail skin and cutting wheel.