Project Scope
The Highway 1 Chase West to Chase Creek Bridge Project, a vital infrastructure upgrade led by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), presented significant challenges due to unstable rock conditions and slide-prone terrain. BAT Construction was subcontracted by CIF Construction Ltd., the General Contractor, to carry out essential slope stabilization works to improve safety and performance across multiple sections of the highway.
The scope of BAT Construction’s work involved comprehensive geotechnical stabilization and remediation efforts. These tasks included slope remediation and the installation of advanced geotechnical stabilization systems to support the extensive drill-and-blast excavation. The project featured the critical elements of over 3,200 linear meters of #10 tensioned rock bolts and the application of 600 cubic meters of shotcrete. Additional work comprised the installation of lined drainage systems, bearing pads, and shotcrete anchors with spider plates.
The discovery of incompetent rock beneath the existing cast-in-place S50 wall, necessitating the installation of a multiple layers of shotcrete, rock bolts and shotcrete anchors. The stabilization process was carried out in phases, with each phase focusing on stabilizing a 3-meter vertical increment of rock face before progressing down to the next working bench. A 50mm blinding layer of shotcrete before rock bolting and rigorous anchor testing followed by the installation of a 100mm second-stage shotcrete layer ensured the integrity and stability of the system.
Despite weather-dependent scheduling and challenging site conditions, BAT Construction’s scope was completed successfully within a seasonal shutdown window, valued at over $2.3 million. The close collaboration between BAT Construction, CIF Construction Ltd., MoTI, and Ecora Engineering ensured that all work adhered to MoTI’s rigorous safety and quality standards, resulting in a highly coordinated and technically demanding solution that enhanced the long-term safety of this critical highway corridor.
Project Challenges
The Chase West to Chase Creek Bridge Slope Stabilization Project presented a range of complex challenges that required strategic planning and precise execution. Geotechnical conditions included unstable, slide-prone terrain, necessitating careful rock excavation and stabilization techniques. Logistical constraints were further intensified by cold weather, which imposed strict limitations on shotcrete application and curing timelines.
Coordinating multiple high-risk activities—such as drilling, scaling, and the installation of both tensioned and untensioned 32mm rock bolts—required meticulous sequencing and constant communication among crews. Debris excavation had to be performed in controlled 3-metre lifts, demanding careful staging to maintain slope stability and worker safety.
The limited seasonal window added pressure to maintain progress without compromising quality or safety. Despite these constraints, the team navigated the challenges effectively through close collaboration with MoTI representatives, ensuring full compliance with stringent technical specifications while upholding strong standards of environmental stewardship.
