Fraser River Tunnel Project

Project Snapshot

Project Overview

Introduction

The Fraser River Tunnel Project is a major transportation infrastructure initiative that will replace the existing George Massey Tunnel with a new immersed tube tunnel connecting Richmond and Delta. The project includes a new eight-lane tunnel, dedicated transit lanes, active transportation infrastructure, and related corridor improvements designed to support long-term mobility and growth throughout the region. (Source: highway99tunnel.ca)

Underhill Geomatics is supporting the project’s early works through a partnership with Cross Fraser Partnership (CFP), providing survey services that help establish the foundation for future construction activities. Our involvement includes topographic surveys, construction layout, as-built surveys, and monitoring services that support ongoing planning and site development.

Project Challenges

As one of British Columbia’s largest transportation projects, the Fraser River Tunnel Project involves a dynamic construction environment with multiple stakeholders, evolving schedules, and complex coordination requirements.

During the early works phase, survey requirements often change rapidly as project priorities evolve. Supporting numerous internal teams while maintaining consistent deliverables, communication, and survey accuracy requires a flexible and responsive approach.

Underhill’s Approach

Underhill works closely with CFP’s Survey Department to provide reliable geomatics support that adapts to the fast-paced nature of the project.

Using conventional survey and GNSS techniques, our team delivers topographic information, construction layout, as-built surveys, and monitoring services to support ongoing project requirements. By maintaining strong communication channels and utilizing multiple platforms for coordination and deliverable management, we are able to respond efficiently to a variety of stakeholder needs.

As the project progresses toward major construction phases, opportunities are being explored to incorporate additional technologies, including UAV LiDAR and 3D laser scanning, to further enhance survey capabilities and project support.

Notable Outcomes

• Supported early works activities through topographic, construction, and monitoring surveys.
• Delivered accurate survey data and documentation to multiple project stakeholders.
• Established a collaborative working relationship with CFP’s Survey Department.
• Adapted to changing project requirements within a fast-paced and evolving construction environment.
• Positioned to support future phases of the project through to completion.

Technical Highlights

• Topographic surveys, construction layout, as-built surveys, and deformation monitoring.
• Conventional survey and GNSS methodologies.
• High-precision total stations and GNSS receivers.
• Trimble Business Center, STAR*NET, and Copan software workflows.
• Future integration opportunities for UAV LiDAR and 3D laser scanning technologies.

Project Impact

The Fraser River Tunnel Project is a transformative transportation investment that will improve regional connectivity, increase corridor capacity, and enhance travel options for motorists, transit users, cyclists, and pedestrians. (Source: highway99tunnel.ca)

By providing accurate, timely, and dependable survey services during the early stages of the project, Underhill is helping support informed decision-making and efficient project delivery. Our continued partnership with Cross Fraser Partnership positions us to contribute to the successful development of this landmark infrastructure project through each phase leading to completion.