Arch Engineers provided comprehensive steep slope engineering services for a pipeline right-of-way service road under the ECS2 project with Graham Construction. The objective was to ensure the safe passage of personnel and various types of equipment—including cranes, drill rigs, and over 100 concrete mixer truck trips; across mountainous terrain. The corridor also needed to accommodate extended-length trailers hauling bridge girders over 40 meters long. Given the steep grades and rugged topography, the project required highly detailed planning and technical precision.
To start, Arch used GPS and LIDAR data to create a complete 3D model of the slope and road alignment. This model helped accurately define slope angles, curves, and cambers along the full 1.1-kilometre route.
Next, Arch developed a targeted cut-and-fill schedule to stabilize the route while aligning with the steep slope travel assist plan also engineered by our team. This plan was designed to support both rubber-tired and tracked equipment. Although original slope grades varied between 12% and 22%, Arch optimized the final design to average 13%, with only two short segments reaching 15%.
Throughout the project, Arch applied steep slope engineering best practices to meet strict safety and operational standards. Our work ensured that the road remained passable and secure in all weather conditions, minimizing construction delays and safety risks.
In the end, this project showcases Arch Engineers’ ability to deliver safe, innovative design solutions for infrastructure development in difficult terrain; providing reliable access where conventional approaches fall short.