| Work Detail |
Hatch announced that it has been awarded the prestigious Canadian Project of the Year Award (Over $300 million) by the Tunnelling Association of Canada (TAC) for the underground works of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project. This recognition highlights Hatch’s exceptional engineering skill and innovative approach to underground construction.
The REM project entailed a significant upgrade of the Mount Royal Tunnel to support a light rail transit system, encompassing the installation of fire safety equipment, the reconstruction and rehabilitation of worn sections, and the construction of new stations deep underground and in densely populated areas (Édouard Montpetit and McGill). Additionally, it involved building tunnels beneath the runways of the Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport, all while incorporating innovative engineering solutions and safety protocols.
Other highlights included replacing 92 meters of the southernmost tunnel and rehabilitating another 290 meters to repair deterioration caused by chloride-laden groundwater.
The excavation for the Edouard Montpetit station required several engineering controls to minimize impacts and disturbances with safety measures in place to deal with potential undetonated explosives left from the original construction.
The new McGill station in downtown Montréal links the Green Line to commercial buildings and features a tunnel that runs beneath the runways and key structures of the Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport.
“We are incredibly proud of the recognition our team has received for this project,” said Jean Habimana, Hatch’s global practice lead, Tunnelling. “We developed innovative methods for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of deteriorated tunnels, requiring a high level of expertise and dedication. Our team’s commitment to safety, community impact, and engineering excellence was paramount in achieving these milestones. This award is a testament to the hard work and innovative spirit of everyone involved in the project.” |
