COWI is nearing the end of its work as construction engineer on the massive $450 million Annacis Water Supply Tunnel project.
Commissioned by Metro Vancouver, the 2.3-kilometre-long, 2.6-metre diameter steel water main runs approximately 50 metres beneath the Fraser River, connecting the City of New Westminster and the City of Surrey.
The project is part of Metro Vancouver’s broader strategy to upgrade and modernize critical water infrastructure, including five new water supply crossings designed to remain fully operational even in the aftermath of a major earthquake. Construction is being carried out by Traylor Aecon General Partnership.
COWI’s role has encompassed the full design scope for slurry wall shafts and base slabs for the north and south shafts, tunnel lining design, and ground improvement strategies for break-in and break-out. The team has also provided engineering design management and ongoing support throughout construction, ensuring seamless integration and delivery at every stage.
“Resilience is at the heart of this project,” said Nedim Alca, market director for COWI in North America. “What makes this milestone so significant is not just the completion of another tunnel — it’s the culmination of years of collaborative design, innovation and precision engineering to meet the region’s future water needs.
“As we reach the end of excavation, we’re proud to see a design that began on paper now becoming an integral part of the region’s infrastructure — one that will quietly serve millions of people every day, well into the next century.”
Construction on the tunnel began in 2022 and it is expected to take six years to complete.
