The Highway 1 Keith Road / Mt Seymour Parkway Interchange project plays a vital role in facilitating local, regional, and inter-provincial travel, supporting more than 100,000 vehicles daily.
Initiated by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), this project addressed critical issues of congestion, road safety, and improved connectivity for Vancouver’s North Shore community.
With a tight timeline and budget constraints, the project aligned with both provincial and federal goals to boost trade, tourism, and travel infrastructure. Key improvements included the reconfiguration of the highway interchange and ramps, the design of a westbound collector-distributor road, and the realignment of municipal streets.
Notable elements of the project were the construction of a 65-meter bridge over Highway 1, the rehabilitation of Lynn Creek Bridge, and the addition of two new parallel bridges. Enhancements also extended to active transportation infrastructure, including a pedestrian tunnel and provisions for cyclists. In addition, a fish-bearing creek was realigned, showcasing the project’s commitment to environmental considerations.
This comprehensive effort was critical to improving traffic flow and safety while supporting long-term regional growth.
McElhanney successfully delivered this high-impact project for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) within an ambitious six-month timeline and a strict budget by leveraging innovative design and scheduling strategies. This included the effective management of two design teams. During the early stages of design development, McElhanney conducted a thorough evaluation of the approved concept and proposed an alternative solution, which garnered unanimous approval from all stakeholders, including funding partners and local First Nations communities.
To mitigate schedule risks, McElhanney identified the need for an advanced work package, securing crucial funding and enabling construction to proceed within the required timeframe. While the project's primary focus was on significant transportation improvements, McElhanney took the initiative to exceed stakeholder expectations by prioritizing environmental sustainability and active transportation enhancements.
Innovative solutions included changes to roadway alignment to minimize both property and environmental impacts, the realignment and habitat restoration of Keith Creek, and optimizations to the Keith Road underpass. These innovations not only addressed environmental concerns but also delivered substantial cost savings, ultimately realizing a total project savings of $55 million for MoTI.
Led by Kevin Leggett, P.Eng., a seasoned transportation engineer and a graduate of FIDIC’s Young Professional Management Training Program, McElhanney’s team demonstrated exceptional commitment, integrity, and dedication throughout the project. Their expert management, innovative solutions, and cost-saving measures ensured that the project was completed on time and within budget.
The project’s success was further highlighted by industry recognition, earning McElhanney an Award of Excellence in Transportation at the 2022 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards.
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