Vancouver British Columbia - The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and crew are making their way from under False Creek toward Yaletown-Roundhouse Station, which is the first of three downtown Vancouver stations as part of the Canada Line Project. As crews continue to work on Yaletown-Roundhouse Station, they are also preparing the excavation area for the arrival of the TBM around mid-September 2007. Please note all timeframes are approximate, as the exact arrival date of the TBM is subject to change.
 
The first bored tunnel is completed for the Canada Line Project, and this is the second of two underground tunnels being constructed side-by-side. This second pass at Yaletown-Roundhouse Station will require construction activity outside regular daytime construction hours between early September and early October 2007.
 
The TBM operation at this stage will be quite a sight to see, as the 85 metre long machine will slowly pass through the open trench as it continues its journey toward Waterfront Station. Although the trench at this location is approximately 20 metres deep, residents and businesses fronting the area will experience some noise at night while the TBM moves through the station pit and continues boring under Davie Street toward Vancouver City Centre Station.
 
Three Stages of Activity and Hours of Work
 
This TBM activity is summarized into three stages:

• Stage 1:  TBM breaks through the east wall of the trench, and crews perform concrete works inside the tunnel. This will occur for a 24 hour period for approximately 1 day;
• Stage 2:  TBM crosses through the station area, the machine is halted and crews perform maintenance to the TBM. This will occur from 07:00 to 23:00 for approximately 10 days;
• Stage 3:  TBM resumes boring through the west wall on a 24 hour basis and will take about two weeks before it is fully underground. This will occur 24 hours a day for approximately two weeks.

It is important to note that the TBM must continue operating 24 hours a day during Stage 3. The machine cannot be halted during this time, and we thank you for your understanding while this necessary work is underway. As the machine continues to bore underground, the noise is expected to subside. No ground vibration is expected during this activity. An exemption to the noise bylaw has been granted by the City of Vancouver, which can be viewed on the Canada Line web site.
 
Residents and businesses will be notified in advance of the TBM's arrival at the station.
 
Station construction activity will also continue during regular daytime hours once the TBM has cleared the station, so residents and businesses in the area will continue to see heavy equipment and materials as part of station construction.
 
Author unknown