PROJECT SUMMARY

Gunn is a small hamlet on the north shore of Lac St. Anne, just off Highway 43 – twinned highway that serves as the main route between Edmonton and Grand Prairie. A 159 m (522 ft) water line installation was required to cross this 4-lane highway and rail line. This was at the limits of what is considered possible for a guided boring machine (GBM) on a project requiring precise alignment. While other companies concluded this crossing could not be done, The Tunneling Company was up to the challenge.

KEY CHALLENGES

The stakes were high on this project. The design involved a shallow crossing over a great distance. If the accuracy was off, even slightly, there was the risk of a potential highway closure.

This would have been a difficult completion under ideal weather conditions. However, The Tunneling Company’s crews and equipment were further tested when the outside temperature dropped below -30°C. In such extreme cold, our team had to devise a solution to keep the drilling mud circulating. A lubricating line was used to achieve the right consistency.

Today, this remains among the longest pilot tube completions in Canada using a GBM. This project illustrates The Tunneling Company’s capabilities and is a testament to the skill and dedication of our crews.

SERVICES PROVIDED

GUIDED BORING MACHINE