Two Herrenknecht tunnel boring machines are driving the expansion of the local transport system in the Vancouver region of Canada. With a total of six new underground stations, the Broadway Subway project comprises a 5.7 km extension of the Millennium Line and will substantially improve mobility for commuters. 

The Broadway Subway Project Corporation, consisting of the Spanish contractor Acciona and Italian contractor Ghella, relied on TBMs from Herrenknecht. Two EPB Shields were used, named Elsie and Phyllis, each with a diameter of 5,960 mm, a drive power of 1,400 kW and a torque of 4713 kNm. Both started their journey independently of each other.

The EPB technology was selected based on the project specific requirements and the ground conditions between Great Northern Way and Arbutus. The TBMs were driven through sandstone, typically at a depth of between 15 and 20 meters. Elsie arrived at Broadway-City Hall station on 14 April 2023, Phyllis followed on 26 May 2023.

Thanks to the smooth progress of the tunnelling work and the good cooperation of all those involved, the planned opening in early 2026 is well in sight. Broadway-City Station will become one of the most important transfer points in the existing fully automated SkyTrain network and an important hub for public transport in Vancouver.