Green Line LRT Construction Reaches Major Milestone as Tunnel Boring Begins
The long-awaited transit project enters a critical phase with the launch of tunnel boring operations downtown.
Calgary’s Green Line LRT project has reached a significant construction milestone with the launch of tunnel boring operations beneath the downtown core, bringing the city one step closer to its largest-ever infrastructure investment.
The tunnel boring machine (TBM), nicknamed “Chinook” by local schoolchildren, began its journey from the 2nd Street SW shaft on Monday morning, watched by construction crews and city officials.
Engineering Achievement
“This is a moment years in the making,” said Green Line project director Angela Kim. “The TBM will create approximately 3.2 kilometres of twin tunnels through the downtown core, and we expect boring operations to continue through the fall.”
The machine, manufactured in Germany and assembled on-site over four months, weighs approximately 1,800 tonnes and will operate 24 hours a day, advancing roughly 12 metres per shift. Excavated material will be removed via a conveyor system and trucked to designated disposal sites.
Traffic and Disruption
City officials have warned that surface-level traffic disruptions will continue in the downtown area during boring operations, though they say impacts will be “minimal compared to cut-and-cover methods.”
Affected businesses along the route have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the long-term benefits, while others report declining foot traffic during construction.
“It’s been tough, no question,” said bookstore owner Linda Fong on Stephen Avenue. “But we’re looking forward to what the Green Line will bring to downtown once it’s finished.”
Budget and Timeline
The total Green Line budget stands at $5.5 billion, with funding shared between the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The first phase is expected to open to passengers in 2029, connecting Shepard in the southeast to 16 Avenue N.
Transit advocates say the Green Line will transform mobility in Calgary, serving an estimated 70,000 daily riders upon full buildout and reducing vehicle traffic on congested corridors.
