The Fraser River Tunnel Project (FRTP) is in the development phase. The FRTP team is finalizing the design of the new tunnel and preparing for construction.
To support design development, the FRTP team is conducting a series of geotechnical investigations in the Fraser River, 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.
Work in Deas Slough
In early January 2025, the team will conduct geotechnical investigations in Deas Slough for one to two weeks. This involves riverbed drilling from a barge. Boaters should use caution when in the area. Impacts to nearby residents are not expected.
Work Along the Corridor
Also in January, the team will begin a series of onshore geotechnical investigations along Highway 99 in Richmond, Delta and on Deas Island, which will last approximately six months.
Activities between January and June 2025 include collecting soil samples and conducting subsurface soil tests along the highway alignment between Westminster Highway and Highway 17A. 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
The team will conduct geotechnical work within the ministry’s right-of-way on Deas Island in January 2025. To ensure public safety while this work takes place, the section of the Island Tip Trail that passes through the ministry’s right-of-way will be closed from January 8 to 17 and from February 2 to 4.
On Deas Island, other work will include testing ground-densification methods and a pump test. 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 approximately eight weeks in spring 2025.
Work in Delta near Millennium Trail
In Delta, investigative work will occur adjacent to Millennium Trail on the east side of Highway 99. To ensure public safety while this work is being performed, there will be temporary stoppages along the trail. Please plan for potential delays in your travel time.
Signage will be placed on Millennium Trail in advance of the work to ensure users are aware of the upcoming changes. Traffic control personnel will be on-site to ensure public safety and access to the area to the greatest extent possible. When it is not safe, the trail may be temporarily closed. Trail users and nearby residents may also notice some brush clearing and tree trimming as part of this work.
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 in Richmond
In addition to geotechnical work along the Highway 99 alignment in Richmond, the Project team 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 in spring 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.