We are excited to share that the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) in Canada has been awarded Project of the Year by Trenchless Technology. We are proud to have worked on this project in collaboration with Bothar.
The TMEP is one of the largest and most technically demanding pipeline projects ever undertaken in Canada. Spanning over 1,100 kilometers from Alberta to British Columbia, this massive project required 75 major trenchless crossings, along with 557 additional minor crossings. Among the many complex aspects of this project, Stiver Engineering contributed to the successful completion of the microtunnel crossings in the Jacko Lake Area near Kamloops, British Columbia.
The Jacko Lake project presented a unique challenge. Identified by Indigenous groups as a sacred and spiritual site, the area demanded that the project team take extra care to minimize surface disturbance. To address this, Stiver Engineering worked closely with Bothar Group to complete three consecutive microtunnels using 2.5-meter outside diameter reinforced concrete jacking pipes. These tunnels, along with one HDD crossing, extended over 3.4 kilometers through varying ground conditions, including sand, gravel, and bedrock.
The success of these crossings was not only a technical achievement but also a demonstration of how engineering solutions can be designed with cultural and environmental sensitivity in mind. The ability to tunnel through diverse and challenging conditions while respecting the natural and cultural significance of the land is a hallmark of our approach at Stiver Engineering. We take great pride in developing and executing designs that balance project needs with long-term sustainability.
This award recognizes the collaborative spirit that fueled the TMEP’s success. In partnership with Bothar Group and other industry leaders, we worked to ensure the project was delivered safely, efficiently, and with minimal environmental impact. The entire TMEP team navigated complex geotechnical, constructability, and environmental challenges to complete the expansion of this vital pipeline, which increased capacity from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels of oil per day.
At Stiver Engineering, we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt and innovate in the face of complex challenges. Whether it’s working on trenchless crossings, tunnels, or other infrastructure solutions, our commitment to quality, sustainability, and technical excellence remains unwavering. The recognition we’ve received for our work on the TMEP only strengthens our drive to continue delivering high-quality, reliable engineering solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
We are grateful to our partners, including Bothar Group, for their collaboration and expertise, and we look forward to continuing to deliver impactful solutions for infrastructure projects across Canada, North America and around the world. This honor underscores our dedication to designing and executing innovative solutions that meet the most complex engineering challenges.
