The Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site is a major network of locks, bridges and dams that traverses 386km through central Ontario. Water levels and flows throughout the watershed are managed by approximately 160 operable dams and water control structures, many of which are in need of repair.
To rehabilitate these historic structures, the Government of Canada created the Waterways Infrastructure Investment program. The goal of the program is to repair or replace assets in poor condition while maintaining the important heritage elements of the original construction.
Andre Construction was contracted to engineer, supply, and install permanent waterway barriers, including shore and in-water anchors, at multiple dams along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Carried out on the upstream side of each site, the project required meticulous planning and execution throughout.
Throughout the project, Andre Construction ensured seamless coordination of material deliveries, accurate anchor placement, and effective communication among stakeholders to maintain safety and efficiency. A significant cost-saving redesign at Lock 19 (Scott Mills) highlighted the company's ability to optimize project outcomes while maintaining high-quality standards.
The Challenges
Working on historic waterway infrastructure had numerous challenges:
Each site lacked a secure laydown area, necessitating carefully scheduled deliveries for immediate installation.
Anchor installation required absolute precision to ensure the long-term stability and effectiveness of the barriers.
The installation of safety booms had to be conducted while coordinating with other contractors and ongoing construction activities.
Boom installation was conducted in-front of active dams with high water flows.
The Solutions
To contend with the lack of laydown area, we developed a meticulous site plan and master schedule that allowed for seamless delivery of materials just before they were required for installation. Expert coordination and communication with suppliers eliminated storage issues and delays.
Precision was also required in the placement of grouted chain anchors to ensure sufficient support for subsequent structures. We enlisted a third-party surveying company who determined anchor locations with the utmost accuracy and maintained compliance with design specifications.
Our work at Lock 19 (Scott Mills) presented an opportunity for innovation. Where the plans called for a pile anchor, we were able to implement a more cost-effective chain anchor system, which resulted in $360,000 savings.
This project was done in joint venture with several other companies, including Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd., and CBD Inc., who were actively working on the site at the same time. Prior to starting work, we established strong communication channels between all parties, facilitating safe and accurate boom installations amidst ongoing construction and high water flows.
We successfully completed the project in May 2022, $345,000 under budget, while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
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