When a significant sinkhole developed above the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) tunnel, Keller worked on an aggressive construction schedule in limited working space.

Ottawa Light Rail Transit
Working in the limited working space in downtown Ottawa.

The project

The Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) Project included the construction of a 2.5 km long tunnel within the downtown area. The 9m x 6.5m tunnel was advancing near Rideau and Sussex Street in downtown Ottawa when a significant sinkhole developed above the tunnel.

The challenge

The sinkhole swallowed and buried the adjacent shoring system, vehicles, and other objects making drilling of grout pipes extremely challenging. Logistics were challenging as well since the work site was adjacent to Rideau Street, the busiest street in downtown Ottawa. The project required work to be performed on an aggressive schedule in very limited working space.

The solution

Daily meetings, pre-planning, and excellent workmanship helped complete the work in tight quarters. Keller provided four crews in total; two shifts per day with two crews per shift; around the clock to meet the client’s schedule. All information obtained from the data acquisition (DAQ) system and field records were promptly reviewed and submitted to our client throughout the program.

Project facts

Owner(s)

City of Ottawa

Keller business unit(s)

Keller

Main contractor(s)

Rideau Transit Group (RTG)

Engineer(s)

Golder Associates