Drilling For Pittsburgh's North Shore Connector Begins TodayPOSTED: 6:16 pm EST January 21,
2008 PITTSBURGH -- A massive drill is in place and ready to start digging for the Port Authority's North Shore Connector, a tunnel connecting the North Shore to downtown Pittsburgh.The drill sits 60 feet below General Robinson Street. It has been tested and calibrated and this morning, it will begin its 2,000-foot, five-month journey under the Allegheny River.On Monday, workers on the project signed their names to the drill and celebrated the long hours of work to get to this point. West Mifflin-based Trumbull Corporation is partnered with Obayashi, a Japan-based company, on the project.A Japanese tradition of prayer and sake was held on Monday. The Japanese believe when you take something from the earth, you must give something in return.The massive drill will be controlled as operators use laser-guided technology. As the drill bores its way under the river, precast liners will lock into place and serve as the inside of the tunnel.In about five months, when the drill reaches the downtown side of the river, it will turn around and begin the trip back.The drill is expected to go about 200 feet today, starting the first stage of the project. Crews will then attach the trailing gear, which will remove the dirt and rock. The first stage is expected to last five months with the entire project estimated to be complete in 2011. Related Links: More County NewsGet RSS | E-Mail Alerts Copyright 2008 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
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