The Kicking Horse Canyon expansion project which is a major construction project in Canada, is nearing completion after piling up billions in costs and years of work.
This project is part of an even bigger construction program, “The Highway 1”, ranging from Kamloops to the Alberta border. With the first phases of the project having transformed a narrow, two lane, 24km road into an up to date four lane road. The final phases of the project, to complete the remaining 4.8km, began in early 2021.
Costs of the Kicking Horse Canyon expansion project
The 4th Phase of the Kicking Horse Canyon expansion project is estimated to cost $601 million. The Federal Government is to contribute $215 million while the British Columbia government is to cover the remaining $385.6 million
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Scope of the project
The scope of the Kicking Horse Canyon expansion project phase 4, involved designing a 4.8 kilometer section to have 4 lanes to improve safety and allow for speeds of up to 100km/h. In addition the project involved alignment improvements to reduce rock falls and avalanche hazards. It also incorporates wildlife passages and fencing. As well as adding median barriers to permit cyclists to ride freely and off-road.
The Kicking Horse Canyon expansion project’s first phase started off on the border of Yoho National Park and B.C. twinning 3.2km of the road near Yoho Bridge and was completed in 2006. As for the 2nd phase, Park Bridge was twinned 5.8km and was brought to a finish in 2008. The 3rd phase was completed in 2013, going from Golden Hill to West Portal, paving the way for the last phase.
Contractors for the project
The Government of British Columbia selected a Joint Venture consisting of Aecon, Parsons Corporation and Emil Anderson Construction being the main contractors work to finish the 4th phase of the Kicking Horse Canyon Project.
Challenges
Some challenges and disruptions have come around during the construction project, and it has been confirmed that the 4th phase has been extremely difficult. Consisting of overnight and day road closures. The contractors have decided to shut down the project for the winter holiday and plan to resume next year, March, 2024.
