Projects

Othello Tunnels Scaling and Stabilization

The Coquihalla Canyon Recovery Project is a multi-phase initiative to restore the historic Othello Tunnels and surrounding park infrastructure after the severe damage caused by the November 2021 atmospheric river. Pacific Blasting’s Scaling Division has been contracted to stabilize the cliff faces and mitigate future rockfall hazards, ensuring the safety of the worksite for subsequent bridge reconstruction.

Key Project Information

  • Project Type:
    Rock Slope Stabilization
  • Timeline:
    May 2024 - August 2024
  • Client:
    BC Parks
  • Location:
    Coquihalla Park, BC

Scope of Work:

Pacific Blasting and Western Grater have partnered to stabilize the Coquihalla Canyon after extensive flood damage. The project involves securing rock faces, reinforcing tunnels, and preparing the site for bridge reconstruction, all while preserving the historic elements of the park.

  • Cliff Face Stabilization: Installation of 4-meter rock anchors and pin mesh to secure the loose rock and provide additional stability for the bridge construction.
  • Rock Scaling and Slope Protection: Crews drilled anchor patterns, installed ground supports, and used helicopters to fly in mesh reinforcement to minimize the risk of rockfall.
  • Tunnel Maintenance: Stabilization of Tunnel 5 to address structural damage and maintain historical integrity. Original wooden trusses and markers from the Kettle Valley Railway have been preserved and restored.
  • Shotcrete Shoring: Western Grater provided shotcrete shoring of several rock faces and inside tunnels to further stabilize the area.

Challenges & Solutions:

The project site has been impacted by both flood damage and ongoing rockfall issues. The initial damage to the bridge’s footing was caused by water, while subsequent damage resulted from loose rock. The Pacific Blasting team has been carefully scaling loose material to prevent further erosion and enable safe working conditions for bridge restoration.

Overall Impact:

Once completed, this stabilization project will ensure the safety of the site, allowing repair crews to address flood-related damage to the bridge and protect it from future rockfall incidents. The project also preserves historical elements, such as the original Kettle Valley Railway marker, which has been refurbished and integrated into the tunnel design.

Anything. Possible.

Western Grater played an integral role in the Coquihalla Canyon Recovery Project, contributing their specialized shotcrete expertise to fortify tunnel entrances and interior walls. The shotcrete application, carried out under challenging conditions, provided additional structural stability and protected against future erosion. This collaboration with Pacific Blasting’s Scaling Division ensured that stabilization work could progress efficiently, leveraging the unique capabilities of both business units to overcome the site’s complexities. The teamwork between these two NorLand business units exemplifies a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and resilient solutions.