This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Meet Harriet, the tunnel boring machine digging the LAX rail connection
Harriet, as the L.A. Metro tunnel boring machine has been named, weighs 950 tons and measures 21.5 feet in diameter. The machine will be assembled below ground and begin tunneling the Crenshaw/LAX rail line in the spring.
(
Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Agency
)
Essay contest winner Calvin Mosley proposed the “Harriet” name chosen by Los Angeles school children for the tunnel boring machine that will help clear the way for the Crenshaw/LAX rail line.
(
Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Agency
)
Listen
0:44
Meet Harriet, the tunnel boring machine digging the LAX rail connection
Someday Angelenos can take the train to Los Angeles International Airport on the $2 billion Crenshaw light rail line.
But first things first: L.A. Metro on Monday unveiled a 950-ton tunnel boring machine that will make that dream a reality in about three years. You can call the equipment Harriet.
Naming tunnel boring machines after women is an old mining tradition. In this case, Metro arrived at a name after a months-long contest among Los Angeles school kids.
TBM essay contest winner Calvin Mosley, who proposed the “Harriet” name.
(
Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Agency
)
The winning name pays tribute to Civil War abolitionist Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, the network of safe houses and tunnels that helped slaves escape to freedom.
However, with the exception of one mile-long section, most of the Crenshaw/LAX line will run above ground, connecting the Green and Expo Lines and eventually reaching the airport.
Crews will assemble the boring machine underground in coming weeks and begin digging tunnels in the spring. The rail line will run 8.5 miles long with eight stations, including Leimert Park, Hyde Park and downtown Inglewood.
Sponsored message
The line is expected to open to the public in 2019.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
