Why does the construction method for the line differ from the “reference project”?
The “reference project” was developed as the public sector’s best estimate of how the Canada Line could be built. While certain essential elements were prescribed, including the requirement for the Line to be underground from Waterfront Station to at least 46th Ave., the call for proposals invited innovation and improvement on this “reference project” wherever possible. Indeed, all proponents responded with innovation and delivered alignments and tunnel construction methods that differed from the reference project. InTransitBC, the selected contractor for the Canada Line Project, examined a range of issues in proposing their construction program and method. The proposal advanced, including the mix of cut and cover (75%) and bored tunnel (25%) construction methods achieves important benefits: Longer Tunnel The tunnel section extends beyond the minimum requirement to 49th Avenue to as far south as 64th Avenue and has less impact on long-term parking and less visual impact along Cambie St
