This work includes impacts to marine users and closures of the Millennium Trail. Learn more on the Current Works page
The Fraser River Tunnel Project (FRTP) is in the development phase. The design-builder is finalizing the design of the new tunnel and preparing for construction.
To support design development, the design-builder is conducting a series of geotechnical investigations in the Fraser River (see activity table to the right for approximate schedule of activities), near the new tunnel’s portals and along the highway alignment in Richmond and Delta. The results of the investigative work will help inform the final design of the new tunnel and highway.
The information gathered will also help inform construction methods, duration of construction and the work area required for the Project.
| Geotechnical Investigation Activity | Approximate Dates |
|---|---|
| Marine Soil Testing | Complete |
| Onshore Soil Testing | Jan. to April 2025 |
| South Portal Test Section (Deas Island) | Spring – summer 2025 (8 weeks in total) |
| North Portal Test Section (Richmond) | Spring – summer 2025 (8 weeks in total) |
| Marine Constructability Test | Late 2025 to early 2026 |
Work Along the Corridor
In January, the design-builder began a series of onshore geotechnical investigations along Highway 99 in Richmond, Delta and on Deas Island, which will last until the end of summer 2025.
Activities between January and April 2025 include collecting soil samples and conducting subsurface soil tests along the highway alignment between Westminster Highway and Highway 17A. To complete this work safely, there will be intermittent, overnight lane closures between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Travel in both directions will be maintained at all times. Lane closures will only be implemented where the investigative work is underway.
Between spring and summer, 2025, the team will also test ground-densification methods and conduct pump tests in the approaches of the new tunnel in Richmond and on Deas Island within the Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s right-of-way. Most of the work will be done during the daytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., however in some instances, work may extend beyond 7 p.m.
Work on Deas Island
Additional work, including testing of ground-densification methods and a pump test, will occur between spring and summer, 2025. The results of these tests will help inform the Project’s final design. Passers-by can expect to see a crane and other equipment on Deas Island at the site of the new tunnel’s south portal, which is within the ministry’s right-of-way. It is expected this work will take a total of approximately eight weeks.
Work in Richmond
In addition to geotechnical work along the Highway 99 alignment in Richmond, the design-builder will also test ground-densification methods and carry out a pump test at the site of the new tunnel’s north portal, which is within the ministry’s right-of-way. The work will last approximately eight weeks between spring and summer 2025. The results of these tests will help inform the Project’s final design. Passers-by can expect to see a crane and other equipment at this location. The work is not expected to have any impact to businesses or the public.
Completed Geotechnical Work
- Work on Deas Island within the ministry’s right-of-way was completed in January and February 2025.
- Work adjacent to Millennium Trail in Delta on the east side of Highway 99 was completed by mid-February 2025.