For information on the latest traffic impacts, visit the Current Work page.
To support design development of the Fraser River Tunnel Project (FRTP), the design-builder is conducting a series of geotechnical investigations in the Fraser River (see activity table to the right for approximate schedule of activities), near the new tunnel’s portals and along the highway alignment in Richmond and Delta. Nearby residents and pedestrians may hear intermittent noise during ground improvement and testing activities.
The results of the investigative work will help inform the final design of the new tunnel and highway.
The information gathered will also help inform construction methods, duration of construction, and the work area required for the Project.
| Geotechnical Investigation Activity | Approximate Dates |
| Marine Construction Testing | Complete |
| Marine Soil Testing | Complete |
| On-shore Soil Testing | Complete |
| South Portal Test Section (Deas Island) | Summer 2025 to spring 2026 |
| Supplemental and Follow-up On-Shore Soil Testing | Spring to early summer 2026 |
Current Geotechnical Investigations Program
- On-shore assessment of construction methods for the tunnel approaches is underway on Deas Island until spring 2026. This work includes a pump test, ground densification, and cutoff wall testing, which involves:
- A technique called cutter soil mixing, where soil is mechanically blended with stabilizing agents to improve ground strength
- Installing sheet piles and vertical columns of crushed stone in the ground
- River monitoring work also continues to deliver hydraulic data, which will help inform construction methods and design
- Supplemental and follow-up on-shore soil testing is ongoing from spring to early summer 2026, and includes boreholes, cone penetration tests, and soil sampling. This will provide more information on ground conditions to help optimize design
Completed Work
- In January 2025, the design-builder began a series of on‑shore geotechnical investigations along Highway 99 in Richmond, Delta, and on Deas Island, with the work completing in summer 2025. Activities between January and April 2025 included collecting soil samples and conducting subsurface soil tests along the highway alignment between Westminster Highway and Highway 17A.
- In August 2025, the current on-shore geotechnical campaign began and is scheduled to continue until spring 2026. These works will ensure the design is optimized ahead of construction. Completed works from this campaign include:
- Constructing heavy equipment work platforms
- Monitoring ground movements
- Installing stone columns for ground densification testing
- Pump testing
- Cutoff wall testing
- The in-river geotechnical campaign began in October 2025 and concluded in February 2026. Completed works from this campaign include:
- Surveying and cleaning the area of riprap and debris
- Testing ground improvement methods
- Dredge pit testing to provide data on sedimentation rates
- Performing various surveys, scans, and sample collections
- A trial separation wall using pipe and sheet piles
