L.A. Metro joined elected officials and community stakeholders in Little Tokyo at the ceremonial naming and lowering of a segment of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will dig twin 1.1-mile underground rail tunnels under downtown Los Angeles. Excavation work will begin in January.

“This is a major milestone toward the completion of a vital project that truly connects the region by providing a one-seat ride to downtown Los Angeles for users of the Blue, Gold, and Expo lines,” said Metro Board Chair and Duarte City Council Member John Fasana. “The Regional Connector will reduce travel times for many Metro Rail riders and make our system much more convenient and attractive to those who want a transit alternative to driving.”

At the event Board Chair Fasana awarded TAP Cards to students who won contests to name the TBM and create an illustration for its tail shield. The winning name “Angeli” was submitted by eighth grade student Windsor McInerny, while the winning illustration was by Alexander Li.

The $1.55-billion Regional Connector Transit Project is a 1.9-mile underground light-rail tunnel that will connect the Blue, Expo, and Gold Lines in downtown Los Angeles and will include three new stations. The rail line is expected to serve 88,000 riders daily — including 17,000 new riders — and save commuters up to 20 minutes by reducing the need to transfer when traveling to and through downtown L.A. Construction is expected to be complete in 2021.

“The Regional Connector is a game changer for the entire region by connecting three light rail lines that already have more than 170,000 weekday boardings,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “Measure R played a pivotal role in funding this project and helped us secure a federal grant and loan to build the infrastructure that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Naming of the TBM is a mining tradition that dates back to the 14th century. Saint Barbara, the patron saint for military engineers and miners, has been revered by underground workers as a symbol of protection and good luck for centuries. This homage evolved into the tradition of giving tunneling machines a female name before digging begins.

The TBM was manufactured in Germany by Herrenknecht AG. It weighs approximately 1,000 tons, is 450 feet long and is 21.5 feet in diameter. It will advance about 60 feet per day once digging begins and will take 16 to 18 months to excavate the twin 1.1-mile tunnels.

“Angeli” will begin its journey from the northeast corner of 1st and Alameda streets. The TBM will first dig the tunnel for the northbound tracks until it reaches 4th and Flower streets. From there, the TBM will be retrieved from underground and returned to Little Tokyo, where it will be re-launched to excavate the southbound tunnel.

Metro has contracted with Regional Connector Constructors, a joint venture between Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc., and Traylor Brothers Inc., to design and build the Regional Connector Transit Project.