We made history achieving the longest fully automated rapid transit system in the world. We also moved it. We reached high, dug deep below, and enhanced wildlife areas along the way. Here is a collection of some of the challenges we faced and triumphs we celebrated building the Evergreen extension.
Moving History – Centennial House was once the stately home to one of Port Moody’s founding City Councillors, Frederick Appleyard. One of the few remaining landmarks from the booming lumber town that became the City of Port Moody in 1913, it was moved from Clarke Street to Kyle Street to make way for the Evergreen extension track.
Taking Shape – The Evergreen extension project began to take shape with the first guideway column erected near the south tunnel portal at the corner of Como Lake Avenue and Clarke Road in Coquitlam.
Pushing a Box – Crews push an enormous concrete box under the Barnet Highway before rebuilding a section of the road and opening it to traffic 8 hours ahead of schedule.
Tunneling with Alice – Named “Alice”, after Canada’s first female geologist Alice Wilson, the gigantic Evergreen extension tunnel boring machine was unveiled and put to work creating a tunnel between Port Moody and Coquitlam.
An Elevated Experience – We get a tour of how guideway segments are installed using a truss between two guideway columns at Clarke Road and North Road in Coquitlam.
Sinkholes – One of four sinkholes that appeared during the construction of the Evergreen extension is filled. This sinkhole occurred during maintenance on “Alice” under Clarke Road at Seaview Drive. Traffic was safely diverted around the sinkholes and the ground around them stabilized.
The Other Side – On November 27, 2015, “Alice” broke through the two kilometre tunnel she bored out between Barnet Highway in Port Moody and Kemsley Avenue in Coquitlam.
Testing the Tracks – The first test train makes its way toward Lincoln Station from Coquitlam Central Station on March 7, 2016.
Greening Along the Line – Adjacent to the existing railway corridor, the area around Pigeon Creek and Suterbrook Creek in Port Moody was restored an enhanced as part of the construction of Evergreen extension. Native trees and other vegetation were re-planted to increase biodiversity. The site enhancements also deter the growth of invasive species and create an improved habitat for fish and other wildlife.
Getting Ready – The finishing touches are put on Lincoln Station.
Recognizing Culture and Art – Elders and members of the Kwikwetlem First Nation and special guests revealed a collection of First Nations cultural pieces at the Coquitlam Central Station before the scheduled opening of the Evergreen extension on December 2, 2016.
Opening Day – Where will the Evergreen extension bring you? Share your most memorable moments in the comments below.
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