Metro Vancouver’s water supply tunnel wins Canadian project of the year award

tunnel shaft
Image from Aecon https://www.aecon.com/our-projects/current/second-narrows-water-supply-tunnel

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Metro Vancouver’s  has been awarded the 2024 Canadian Project of the Year Under $300 Million by the Tunnelling Association of Canada.

“I’m proud that this major drinking-water infrastructure project, which will help us keep delivering water even after earthquakes, is being celebrated,” said Mike Hurley, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors. “The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel Project is an excellent example of the kind of high-quality, on-budget work that our organization delivers.”

The tunnel is being built 30 metres below Burrard Inlet, east of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, and will replace three aging water mains built between the 1940s and 1970s. The existing mains are vulnerable to seismic damage and nearing the end of their service life.

The award honors a project team that has “demonstrated top-tier engineering skill and insight into underground construction”.

This year’s winning team includes Delve Underground, Traylor-Aecon General Partnership, AECOM, WSP/Golder, Mott MacDonald, Malcolm Drilling, and Herrenknecht AG.

“The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel is one of the largest tunnels ever built by Metro Vancouver,” said Malcolm Brodie, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee. “These kinds of water-supply projects are extremely complex and crucial for our health and well-being. It’s an honour to see this one recognized for its exceptional quality.”

Construction milestones include two vertical shafts, a 6.3-metre-diameter tunnel spanning 1.1 kilometres, and three new steel water mains, with valve chambers set to connect to the existing drinking water system. Work began in 2019, with substantial completion expected by the end of 2024, and the new mains anticipated to be operational by 2028.

The project is part of Metro Vancouver’s ongoing efforts to ensure high-quality drinking water for its 2.8 million residents. Designed to meet current seismic standards, the Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel will enhance the region’s capacity to meet the needs of a growing population while maintaining reliable water delivery during seismic events.

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