The Cross Fraser Partnership is expected to complete geotechnical work for British Columbia’s Fraser River Tunnel this summer.
The consortium of Pomerleau BC Inc, Bouygues Construction Canada Inc and FCC Canada Ltd (FCC), has confirmed the constructability of the project and is advancing the detailed design and a series of geotechnical investigations.
On Deas Island, the site of the new tunnel’s south portal, work will focus on testing ground densification methods by installing sheet piles and vertical columns of crushed stone. Pump tests involving sectioning off an area with sheet piles and pumping water out, will also be performed.
The team is also carrying out pump testing at the site of the tunnel’s north portal in Richmond.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the five-lane Steveston Interchange Project, a key part of the Highway 99 Tunnel Programme, is under way. The interchange will integrate seamlessly with the new eight-lane Fraser River Tunnel.
The design-builder for the interchange project, Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd, began work on Phase 2 in February with ground improvements and pile driving. Once these works are complete, the next steps will involve constructing piers and installing the concrete beams that will span Highway 99 and form the foundation of the new bridge deck.
The Steveston Interchange Project remains on schedule for completion in autumn this year.
The new eight-lane Fraser River Tunnel will replace the 65-year-old George Massey Tunnel. It will be an immersed tube tunnel with three general-purpose travel lanes and a dedicated public transit lane in each direction. It will also feature a separate multi-use path for walking, cycling and other active transport.
The Cross Fraser Partnership was named as the preferred bidder in July last year and was awarded the Design Early Works Agreement in September.
