Cut-and-cover tunnel construction involves excavating a trench from the surface, building the concrete tunnel in it, and then backfilling and restoring the ground/roadway.

The cut-and-cover tunnel construction method being used is called "cast-in-place." In cast-in-place tunnel construction, after excavation, forms are built in the trench, concrete is placed (cast) into the forms, and after the concrete has cured the forms are removed. The excavation is then filled and the roadway re-instated. During construction, a shoring system supports the sides of the excavation to prevent soil from shifting, protecting worker and public safety.

Three-quarters of the Canada Line tunnel will be built using the cut-and-cover method, while 25 per cent will be built using a Tunnel Boring Machine (see next section).

• Along Granville Street from north of Pender Street to Hastings Street in downtown Vancouver, and
• Along Cambie Street from 2nd Avenue to 64th Avenue (Tunnel Portal area).

During cut-and-cover construction, the impacts will include traffic delays (due to a reduced number of lanes), some noise and dust, truck traffic, some bus route changes and reduced parking. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained, and businesses in the construction area remain open and accessible and welcome your continued patronage. Being aware is being safe, so please ensure you use caution when travelling through a construction zone and adhere to posted speed limits.

For cut-and-cover tunnel construction schedule information please view the Canada Line Anticipated Construction Schedules on the Construction Schedules page.