By rosebell
The geotechnical work for British Columbia’s Fraser River Tunnel is scheduled to be completed by the Cross Fraser Partnership in this summer.
The constructability of this project has been confirmed by consortium of Pomerleau BC Inc, Bouygues Construction Canada Inc and FCC Canada Ltd (FCC) and they are advancing the detailed design and a series of geotechnical investigations.
The concentration of works on Deas Island, that is the site of the new tunnel’s south portal, is due to be on testing ground densification methods by installing sheet piles and vertical columns of crushed stone, whereas pump tests involving sectioning off an area with sheet piles and pumping water out, will also be performed.
Additionally,the pump testing at the site of the tunnel’s north portal in Richmond is implementing by this team.
As a key part of the Highway 99 Tunnel Program, Phase 2 of the five-lane Steveston Interchange Project is undergoing and this interchange is going to integrate seamlessly with the new eight-lane Fraser River Tunnel.
In February work on Phase 2 in with ground improvements and pile driving was commenced by the design-builder for the interchange project, Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd. Following completion, 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 planned date for completing Steveston Interchange Project is autumn this year.
Being replaced the 65-year-old George Massey Tunnel, the new eight-lane Fraser River Tunnel 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.
