Southwest River Crossing

EPC services for the construction of caisson foundations as part of a new 90 km, 240-kV double-circuit transmission line connecting substations in Lethbridge, Alberta. The line comprised approximately 240 towers and 24 steel poles (including tangent, angle, dead-end and steel poles).

The work involved crossing the Oldman River, where Valard installed the protection of the towers both in the river and surrounding low-lying areas. There was also one highway crossing, which proved to be very challenging for access. Delivery of materials and equipment had to be precisely coordinated. In particular, concrete deliveries and pours had to be timed very carefully because the concrete had to be poured off the highway.

There were also significant environmental challenges including a highly sensitive eco-system and a nearby rattlesnake hibernacula. Special measures to be taken, including washing down all equipment before entering the worksite and installing 150 feet of rig mats so the work did not vibrate through the ground and disturb the snakes’ hibernation. The terrain was challenging as well, with the proximity of the river and the steep embankments above it.

Valard met the schedule and budget and completed the work without safety or environmental incidents.

Client: SNC Lavalinn
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
Dates: January to April 2010
Services: EPC for caisson construction

Keephills Substation

Constructed the foundations for a new 500 kV substation and a new 240 kV substation, which Valard also built. Built 300 drilled caissons with holes ranging in diameter from 24 inches to 60 inches and with a depth of 50 feet. Altogether, 3,200 cubic metres of concrete was poured.

Foundations were installed directly beside a live substation, which was challenging from a safety perspective. Also, this work was happening concurrently with the plant owner building onto its facility, which caused significant traffic as large numbers of construction workers were coming and going from the site every day.

Despite the logistical challenges, Valard completed the job on time and budget and without injuries.

Client: SNC-Lavlin
Location: near Wabamun Lake, Alberta
Dates: September 2009 to January 2010
Services: Construction and project management