Michels Canada Urban Pipeline Set to Wrap up this Spring
Michels Canada continues to demonstrate its ability to effectively serve as the prime contractor on large-scale urban pipeline construction projects by wrapping up projects in the Vancouver, BC and Cochrane, AB areas.
On the FortisBC Lower Mainland Intermediate Pressure System Upgrade, Michels Canada built approximately 20 km of 30-inch diameter natural gas pipeline and several smaller diameter lateral offtake pipelines through the densely populated cities of Vancouver, Burnaby, and Coquitlam using open cut and various trenchless methods. Some of the trenchless crossings were initially designed as open cut, however due to permit and timing restrictions, Michels selected alternative methodologies to accommodate and maintain schedule. Extensive planning and coordination were required to allow crews to work safely and efficiently within meters of live traffic on the busy Lougheed Highway and other arterial streets. Construction started in 2018 and concluded in 2019.
As prime contractor on the Rocky View section of the Western Alberta System Mainline Loop for NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd., Michels Canada built 21 km of 42- inch natural gas pipeline in and near Cochrane. The project used mainly conventional pipeline construction techniques with the pipe placed 1.2 m below grade in a primarily urban environment. Crews adjusted work schedules to accommodate residents and businesses, particularly in Cochrane’s commercial district. Construction started during the summer of 2019 and will be completed by spring 2020.