Duggan tunnel replacement

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Project overview
Project map
Impacts to you
What to expect during construction
Equipment on site

Having safe, reliable utility services is a critical part of day-today life in the community.

The existing Duggan sanitary tunnel provides service to neighbourhoods in southwest Edmonton and has been identified for replacement. This will see construction of a new sanitary tunnel to service neighbourhoods from Steinhauer up to Bonnie Doon.

The alignment of the new tunnel is along 111 Street from Saddleback Road/29A Avenue, east along 34 Avenue, and then north on 106 Street to north of L.Y. Cairns School.

EPCOR is aware of consistent sewer odour issues in several neighbourhoods along the alignment of the Duggan Tunnel, particularly in Steinhauer. This project is part of EPCOR’s Corrosion and Odour Reduction Strategy (CORe). The strategy aims to understand and mitigate sewer odour issues and will result in significantly reduced sewer odour city-wide by 2031. With completion of the new tunnel, we expect the major cause of how odour is formed and pushed out into the communities to be notably diminished.

The majority of the work will be underground using a tunnel boring machine (TBM). However, there will be multiple worksites (shaft locations) along the tunnel alignment to allow the TBM to be lowered underground to excavate, turn corners, and be removed when tunneling is complete.

Project overview

The Duggan sanitary sewer line services neighbourhoods in southwest Edmonton, from Steinhauer up to Bonnie Doon. Construction on the new Duggan Tunnel began in March 2023 and is expected to be completed by Summer 2025.

About the Duggan Tunnel

The Duggan tunnel sanitary sewer moves wastewater from south Edmonton to the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant. The existing sewer is approximately 30 metres deep and was originally built by hand.

The new tunnel has been identified for replacement due to poor condition and to help address odour in the area. The existing Duggan sanitary tunnel services the Edmonton region highlighted on the map:

Odour reduction

How are we helping with odour in your neighbourhood

Why is there odour and how will the project help?

The existing Duggan tunnel serves as both a sanitary and storage tunnel and is just over three kilometers long. This means that sanitary flows are stored in the tunnel during wet weather events.

The existing Duggan tunnel has various shifts in depth along the alignment. When built in the 1960s, crews didn’t have the equipment or technology to easily tunnel through the existing sand layer, so they had to tunnel above it or below it. This variation in depth increases the movement of the sanitary flow (up and down), which increases the amount of odour generated. The new tunnel will flow by gravity (not up and down), which will reduce the amount of odour pushed out into the communities.

How odour develops in the existing Duggan tunnel:

Other ways we are helping with odour

What else are we doing?

Sometimes, creating a change in one area can increase sewer odours in another. This is why EPCOR has a city-wide strategy and why the work must occur in a specific sequence.

Some steps have already begun, allowing for better access to infrastructure to inspect lines and investigate odour issues:

Two access manholes were built along 104A Street near 48 Avenue to support inspection, monitoring and cleaning of the sanitary system. This work was completed in May 2020
Projects have been completed/underway to reduce odour issues at three local pump stations (Kaskitayo, Blackburn and Twin Brooks). These projects focus on moving the flow of wastewater more quickly to reduce stagnation
Four access manholes in Empire Park and Pleasantview were completed, allowing for better access and cleaning
Manhole seals and airflow control devices have been installed at the intersection of 34 Avenue and 106 Street, and at several key junctions along 106 Street from 34 Avenue to Whitemud Drive
In 2021, a surface air quality monitor was installed at the 34 Avenue and 106 Street intersection to monitor the concentration of odours in the area

Residents are encouraged to report an issue any time an odour is overly strong by calling EPCOR Trouble at 780-412-4500. This helps us to track the odour to look for patterns and potential solutions.

View our latest project notices:

Construction began in March 2023 with completion anticipated by Summer 2025.

Causes of possible schedule delays

While we always do our best to plan construction and abide by construction timelines communicated to the public, unexpected events can potentially occur which may delay the schedule. Some of these factors are:

Ground conditions and boulders

Geotechnical investigations have been completed along the alignment and we anticipate that the ground conditions are favourable for tunneling. However, there is a risk the tunnel boring machine (TBM) could encounter harder soil, boulders or soupy sand, which could slow down progress.

Extreme weather

Extreme weather, including severe cold, heavy rains, high winds and lightning make working unsafe. During these conditions, the site will be shut down.

Relocation of existing utilities

The start date of the project is dependent on relocation of the utilities, including a water main relocation at Worksite #5. There may be some disruption to local services; however, more information will be provided before the work starts.

Project map

Impacts to you

This project is broken down geographically into five zones which follow the alignment of the new tunnel:

Zone A – 111 Street from Saddleback Road/29A Avenue to 34 Avenue

Three worksite locations will support the construction process, with timelines as follows:

Worksite #1A - Northbound on 111 Street at 29A Avenue – Spring 2023 to Summer 2025
Worksite #1B - 111 Street southbound, left turn lane onto 29A Avenue – Fall 2023 to Summer 2025
Worksite #2 - In the green space east of 111 Street and south of 34 Avenue – April 2023 to Summer 2024

Please note, impacts may change based on City of Edmonton Traffic approvals. Advanced notification will be provided to residents and businesses in the local area before work begins.

Worksite 1A

One northbound lane on 111 Street, north of Saddleback Road/29A Avenue will be closed
The right hand turning lane from westbound 29A Avenue onto northbound 111 Street will be closed
Vehicles will be able to turn right, onto the left northbound lane from the intersection

Worksite 1B

No parking will be permitted on the south side of 45 Avenue east of 106 Street

Worksite 1A

The sidewalk on the east side of 111 Street north of 29A Avenue will be closed
Pedestrians will be detoured to the west side of 111 Street

Worksite 1A

Bus stop #4582 will be relocated on the east side of 111 Street to north of the work area

Worksite 2

A portion of the green space on the southeast corner of 111 Street and 34 Avenue will be utilized as a work area. The area will be fully fenced and secured

Typical hours of work will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. If required, these hours may be extended, and construction may occur on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During tunneling, the tunnel boring machine will be running 24/7 at Worksite #2.

Trucks and equipment will access all the worksites from 111 Street. Temporary lanes closures may be in effect.

Zone B – 34 Avenue from 111 Street to 106 Street

Two worksite locations will support the construction process, with timelines as follows:

Worksite #3 - Eastbound on 34 Avenue, between 111 Street and 106 Street – March 2023 to Summer 2024
Worksite #4 - Northbound on 106 Street and north of 34 Avenue – April 2023 to Summer 2024

Please note, impacts may change based on City of Edmonton Traffic approvals. Advanced notification will be provided to residents and businesses in the local area before work begins.

Worksite 3

Two eastbound lanes on 34 Avenue between 111 Street and 108 Street will be closed. The westbound lanes will be converted to one lane in each direction to allow two-way traffic

Worksite 4

One northbound lane on 106 Street from the intersection at 34 Avenue and heading north past the work area will be closed
The westbound curb lane on 34 Avenue at 106 Street will be closed

Worksite 4

The shared-use path at the northeast corner of the intersection at 34 Avenue and 106 Street will be closed. Pedestrians will be detoured south of the worksite
No crossing will be permitted across 106 Street on the north side of 34 Avenue. Pedestrians will be detoured to the south side of the intersection to cross

Worksite 3

A portion of the greenspace along the south side of 34 Avenue between 111 Street and 108 Street will be utilized as a work area. The area will be fully fenced and secured

Typical hours of work will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. If required, these hours may be extended, and construction may occur on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During tunneling, the tunnel boring machine will be running 24/7 at Worksite #3.

Trucks and equipment will access all the worksites from 34 Avenue. Temporary lane closures may be in effect.

Zone C – 106 Street from 36A Avenue to 38 Avenue

Two worksite locations will support the construction process, with timelines as follows:

Worksite #5 - Intersection of 106 Street and 36A Avenue – Summer 2023 to Summer 2024
Worksite #6 - Northbound on 106 Street and north of 36A Avenue – Summer 2023 to Summer 2024

Please note, impacts may change based on City of Edmonton Traffic approvals. Advanced notification will be provided to residents and businesses in the local area before work begins.

Worksite 5

A full road closure of 36A Avenue at 106 Street

Worksites 5 & 6

Two northbound lanes on 106 Street between 36A Avenue and 38 Avenue will be closed. The southbound lanes will be converted to one lane in each direction to allow two-way traffic
Access will be maintained to Garden Grove Condominiums from 106 Street

Worksite 5

No crossing will be permitted across 106 Street on the north side of 36A Avenue. Pedestrians will be detoured to the south crossing
No crossing will be permitted across 36A Avenue on the east side of 106 Street. Pedestrians will be detoured to the west side of 36A Avenue

Worksites 5 & 6

No parking will be permitted on the west side of 106 Street north of 36A Avenue for approximately 75 metres alongside Duggan Elementary School

Trucks and equipment will access all the worksites from 106 Street. Temporary lane closures may be in effect. No hauling will occur during school drop off and pick up times.

Zone D – 106 Street from 40 Avenue to Whitemud Drive

Four worksite locations will support the construction process, with timelines as follows:

Worksite #7 - Intersection of 106 Street and 40 Avenue – Summer 2023 to Fall 2024
Worksite #8 - Southbound on 106 Street and south of 41 Avenue – Summer 2023 to Fall 2024
Worksite #9 – Southbound on 106 Street and south of Whitemud Drive – Fall 2023 to Spring 2025
Worksite #10 – Northbound on 106 Street and south of Whitemud Drive – Early 2024 to Spring 2025

Worksites 7 & 8

Worksites 9 & 10

Please note, impacts may change based on City of Edmonton Traffic approvals. Advanced notification will be provided to residents and businesses in the local area before work begins.

Worksites 7 & 8

The southbound left hand turning lane from 106 Street onto 40 Avenue will be closed. Vehicles will be able to turn left from the one remaining open lane
One northbound and one southbound lane will be closed on 106 Street from 40 Avenue to north of DS MacKenzie Junior High. One lane will remain open in each direction
No left hand turns will be permitted from the Duggan Mall exits onto southbound 106 Street

Worksites 9

One southbound lane on 106 Street between 42 Avenue and Whitemud Drive will be closed

Worksite 10

The northernmost access into Whitemud Crossing from 106 Street south of Whitemud Drive will be closed
The northbound right turn lane onto eastbound Whitemud Drive will be closed. Vehicles will be able to turn at the intersection

Worksite 7

The crosswalk across 106 Street on the north side of 40 Avenue will be closed. Pedestrians will be detour to the north

Worksite 9

The sidewalk on the west side of 106 Street between 42 Avenue and Whitemud Drive will be closed. Pedestrians will be detoured to the east side

Worksites 7 & 8

DS MacKenzie Junior High drop off and pick up area on the west side of 106 Street will be reduced
A reduced area will remain open between Worksite #7 and Worksite #8 for student drop off and pick up

Worksites 7 & 8

Worksites 9 & 10

Typical hours of work will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. If required, these hours may be extended, and construction may occur on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Worksites 7 & 8

Trucks and equipment will access the worksites from 106 Street and 40 Avenue. Additional temporary lane closures may be in effect. Hauling activity will not be performed during student pick-up and drop off times as identified by DS MacKenzie Junior High and St. Augustine.

Worksites 9 & 10

Trucks and equipment will access all the worksites from 106 Street. Temporary lane closures may be in effect.

Zone E – 106 Street and 45 Avenue to L.Y. Cairns

Three worksite locations will support the construction process, with timelines as follows:

Worksite #11 - Intersection of 45 Avenue and 106 Street – Fall 2023 to Fall 2024
Worksite #12 - 45 Avenue east of 106 Street – Fall 2023 to Fall 2024
Worksite #13 – 104A Street north of 45 Avenue – Summer 2024 to Fall 2024

Please note, impacts may change based on City of Edmonton Traffic approvals. Advanced notification will be provided to residents and businesses in the local area before work begins.

Worksite 11

One northbound lane and one southbound lane on 106 Street between Whitemud Drive and 45 Avenue will be closed
No left hand turns will be permitted at the following:
- From southbound 106 Street onto eastbound 45 Avenue
- From westbound 45 Avenue onto southbound 106 Street

Worksite 12

No parking will be permitted on the south side of 45 Avenue east of 106 Street

Worksite 13

The southbound lane on 104A Street between 47 Avenue and 48 Avenue will be closed. Vehicles will be directed to yield to oncoming traffic to maintain two-way traffic

Worksite 12

L.Y. Cairns School drop off and pick up area on 45 Avenue will be reduced to one lane
Visitor parking at L.Y. Cairns School on 45 Avenue will be partially reduced
Increased odour may be present while construction is underway
No hauling activity will occur during school drop off and pick-up times at L.Y. Cairns

Trucks and equipment will access all the worksites from 106 Street and 104A Street. Temporary lanes closures may be in effect during these times.

What to expect during construction

Work will create typical noise associated with construction
Noise mitigation measures, such as noise control panels around the equipment, will be implemented to comply with City standards
Heavy trucks will be moving through residential streets

Safety is our first priority for our site workers and community members. All work areas will be fenced off and secured, and flagging personnel will be used where necessary

Work may be delayed due to extreme weather, such as lightning, cold temperatures, and wind. Updates will be provided if original timelines are adjusted

During shaft construction, typical hours of work will be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday. If required, these hours may be adjusted or extended, and construction may occur on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
During the tunneling period, there will be continuous work 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week
24/7 tunneling will only occur at Worksites #2, #3, #5, #7, #8 and #11. Advance notification will be provided to residences and businesses near the work area prior to the start of 24/7 tunneling

There may be odour during the work around L.Y. Cairns School

Vehicles related to the construction may be parked on the road near the construction sites

You can expect to see activity that is typical to construction, including company/contractor vehicles and equipment
A combination of excavators, loaders, skid steers, cranes, and tandem trucks, as well as other equipment at worksite locations
There will also be a two-story soil separator at Worksites #2, #3, #5, #7, #8 and #11 used to manage soil from tunneling operations

Equipment on site

Tunnel Boring Machine

We'll be using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at during this project. The tunneling process occurs underground using a TBM; however, shafts are required at the start and end points.

During tunneling, it may appear not much work is occurring; however, this is being done underground.

A machine used to excavate tunnels by breaking the surrounding soil/earth/rock to create a large diameter tunnel. Pipe is then laid behind the tunnel as it is excavated underground.

Example of a micro-tunnel boring machine (TBM) used during construction.

The TBM being used for this project is 4.5 metres in length, weighs approximately 30 tonnes and is 2.7 metres in diameter.

It is anticipated that the TBM will progress, on average, at a speed of about ten metres per day in the expected conditions. Please note, timelines are estimates and may change on construction and soil conditions.

The TBM operates under a pressure system to move forward. This is facilitated by the use of a slurry (water and material mixture) to lubricate the pipes and reduce friction. When tunneling stops, the slurry may harden and cause the TBM to be unable to be pushed forward. As a result, 24/7 operations are required during the tunnel period of construction. 24/7 work will occur at worksites #2, #3, #5, #7, #8 and #11.

A slurry separation machine is a large piece of equipment (approximately two stories tall) used to mange soil removal. The machine separates the solids from slurry, so that the water can be recycled back to the TBM. The machine operates 24-hours-a-day while the TBM is tunneling. Noise mitigation panels will be used to dampen the noise generated by the machine. This machine will be on site at worksites #2, #3, #5, #7, #8 and #11.

Example of a slurry separation machine used onsite during tunneling activities.

Questions?

Your questions are important to us.

Contact EPCOR

Phone: 780-509-8080
Email: epcordrainage@epcor.com

Duggan tunnel replacement

Project overview

About the Duggan Tunnel

Odour reduction

Why is there odour and how will the project help?

What else are we doing?

Causes of possible schedule delays

Project map

Impacts to you

Zone A – 111 Street from Saddleback Road/29A Avenue to 34 Avenue

​Zone B – 34 Avenue from 111 Street to 106 Street

​Zone C – 106 Street from 36A Avenue to 38 Avenue

​Zone D – 106 Street from 40 Avenue to Whitemud Drive

​Zone E – 106 Street and 45 Avenue to L.Y. Cairns​

​What to expect during construction

Equipment on site

Zone B – 34 Avenue from 111 Street to 106 Street

Zone C – 106 Street from 36A Avenue to 38 Avenue

Zone D – 106 Street from 40 Avenue to Whitemud Drive

Zone E – 106 Street and 45 Avenue to L.Y. Cairns

What to expect during construction