Nice video from our Regional Connector team. The tunnel boring machine for the project is expected to be launched underground later this year. The TBM will eventually dig two tunnels between the intersection of Alameda and 1st Street and 7th/Metro Center.

BTW, there’s still time to vote for art work to adorn the TBM as well as a name for the big earth muncher.

When complete, the Regional Connector will tie together the Blue, Expo and Gold Lines in DTLA. That will allow for one-seat rides between East Los Angeles and Santa Monica, as well as between Long Beach and Azusa. Transfers between the north-south and east-west lines can be made at any of five different DTLA stations: Pico, 7th/Metro, 2nd/Hope, 2nd/Broadway and 1st/Central. Here’s the map:

The Regional Connector is funded largely by the Measure R half-cent sales tax approved by L.A. County voters in 2008 as well as a federal grant. Here’s the project’s home page on metro.net.