At the 2018 VRCA Awards of Excellence Awards gala, Graham Construction earned two top awards. The company was recognized with a Gold Award for the Metrotown Station and Exchange Upgrade in the general contractor category. The project, twice the size of the original station at 10,400 square feet, included eight escalators, three glass elevators, mezzanine with stairs and provisions for connections to the future passerelle to Metropolis.
The project also features four new points of access to the platform, extended roofs covering the whole station, three station vestibules, three ancillary buildings, bike storage, plaza with trees and furnishings for the complete length of the station. A fully upgraded stretch of Central Boulevard from McKay Avenue to South Mall Entrance included underground utilities, paving, curbs, sidewalks, bus lane with shelters for the routes relocated from the Metrotown bus loop, new signage and wayfinding package.
Graham’s scope of work also included an innovative approach to the erection of two 250 foot long roof trusses above the guideway and fit-out of electrical, mechanical, glazing, roofing, cladding, and safety systems. Safety was paramount in a live train environment with the team managing an average of 50,000 passengers every day. Crews worked countless night shifts to successfully tackle changes and challenges, completing the project ahead of schedule.
Graham also earned a Heritage Award for the Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation project. Completed in 1932, the Burrard Bridge is an iconic landmark in the City of Vancouver and is one of the few Art Deco bridges which exist in the world. It spans False Creek north to south along Burrard Street, connecting the downtown peninsula with the south and west reaches of Vancouver.
The bridge was aging and several components were significantly deteriorating. The rehabilitation of the bridge preserved its heritage while improving safety and convenience for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles on this vital throughfare.
The Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation project’s scope included completing structural rehabilitation on select sections of the bridge, localized widening and an extensive electrical upgrade. The work consisted of concrete fence removal and replacement, widening at the north end of the bridge, stair and sidewalk overlay, installation of custom precast barriers, concrete shear keys, bearing replacement, FRP strengthening of existing concrete members, concrete repairs, installation of steel fencing, installation of access catwalks under the main span and installation of new street lighting and electrical distribution system.
Graham Infrastructure began work in March 2016 with substantial completion in October 2017.
