Local Biz wins mega project
Rob Gibson – – November 27, 2020 / 4:00 a.m. | History: 317561
Photo: MinistryofTranBC
A Kelowna-based company was selected as part of the Kicking Horse Canyon Mega Project.
Emil Anderson Construction has won a portion of the $ 440 million contract for the final phase of construction on the stretch of Highway 1 near Golden, which has been described as one of the roughest, most scenic stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway.
“We’re excited to be part of this team,” said Colin Taylor, operations manager at Emil Anderson Construction.
The company will be part of the construction team, which includes Aecon Group Inc. and Parsons Inc., who are commencing work on the final leg of a three-phase process that will convert 21 kilometers of narrow, winding two-lane highway into a modern four-lane Street section.
Taylor says road projects are the be-all and end-all of the company, but this one is going to be special. “I have to say, this is the most challenging piece of highway widening the province has ever undertaken.”
Taylor says that in addition to steep terrain on the banks of the Kicking Horse River, they also need to make sure the CP Rail line isn’t affected by construction. “They have some really steep rocky cliffs that are prone to avalanches. The rock in the area is brittle and there is a lot of wildlife.”
Taylor says it will take three years to complete the project. Apart from several planned shutdowns in spring and autumn, the motorway is expected to remain open.
“With projects like this, you can’t disrupt traffic too much. We have to keep the world going, which takes longer and costs more money, but we’re working to minimize the inconvenience a bit.”
The project is expected to be completed in winter 2023/24.
YouTube MinistryofTranBC
