Ottawa: The Train is Coming!

Since our update in October last year, the works for the Confederation line in Ottawa have moved on significantly. The project is on schedule for 2018 and apparently, unless you are living directly on top of it, the activity below ground could go unnoticed. A recent article published on ottawacitizen.com details what has been happening in the past few months as well as what is expected in the near future.

The project sees the line running through a variety of ground types ranging from soft-ground to hard-rock. This dictates that the approaches to the tunnelling applied vary extensively so a wide range of experience is required. The future Rideau station for example is situated near soft clay and sand, whilst much of the line is in rock.

Through all of this, the Dr. G Sauer & Partners Corporation team is on hand around the clock ensuring that the site is suitably supervised and that the project is successfully delivered according to the terms of the contract. Working closely with the contractor’s teams, the Dr. Sauer team of engineers’ duties involve the construction implementation of the design, geological and geotechnical mapping, final layout of excavation and support measures. In addition, geotechnical monitoring of the new underground spaces and existing above ground structures combined with continuous 24-hour supervision of the tunnelling works is provided.

Further information can be found in the article on ottawacitizen.com and a selection of photos follows:

Figure 1 - Lyon Station East - permanent lining reinforcement installation

Figure 2 - Lyon Station East - permanent lining reinforcement installation

Figure 3 - Running Tunnel - permanent lining reinforcement installation

Figure 4 - Lyon Station - waterproofing installation and permanent lining sidewall construction

Figure 5 - Rideau Station - soft ground section, centre pillar advance

Figure 6 - Running Tunnel - completed permanent lining