Project Scope
BAT Construction was contracted by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) to deliver critical rockfall mitigation measures along a high-risk section of Highway 1 at Three Valley Gap, approximately 20 kilometres west of Revelstoke, BC. The project aimed to enhance slope stability and improve safety for highway users through the installation of a comprehensive rockfall attenuator system.
Key elements of the scope included trim blasting approximately 960 cubic metres of rock, followed by the construction of a 130-metre-long attenuator barrier system. This system featured eleven 5-metre steel posts, anchored and cabled into the slope, and the installation of 1,560 square metres each of primary and secondary high-tensile mesh designed to contain and control falling debris.
Operating in steep, geologically complex terrain adjacent to a vital transportation corridor required precise execution, detailed planning, and continuous coordination with MoTI representatives , traffic control, and engineering teams. BAT Construction successfully navigated access limitations, weather variability, and strict safety protocols to complete the project on time and to a high standard of quality. The completed system now provides enhanced rockfall protection and supports the long-term safety and reliability of one of British Columbia’s most important highway routes.
Project Challenges
The Three Valley Gap project presented several significant challenges for BAT Construction due to its complex geotechnical scope and demanding site conditions. The team worked within a narrow corridor along a busy stretch of Highway 1 with limited access for equipment and strict constraints on traffic disruptions. Unstable overburden, dense vegetation, and unpredictable ground conditions complicated anchor drilling and mesh installation, requiring field modifications and careful coordination with MoTI and geotechnical consultants. Additional challenges included severe weather and scope changes such as realigning anchor placements for post installations.
Despite these difficulties, BAT Construction successfully completed the project with no safety incidents and a final product that met all design and quality expectations. The rockfall attenuator system—including anchors, posts, and high-tensile mesh—was installed to specification and received full acceptance
