Shifting placement of the new box culvert away from the initial design location allowed the old culvert to remain operational and structurally sound throughout construction, allowing rail traffic to continue during the project’s initial stages and reducing downtime.

Photo by Sebastian Bennage, courtesy of Sargent Corp.

To protect habitat for endangered Atlantic salmon, the team constructed a new channel and diverted the water only after careful preparation and regulatory approval, safeguarding wildlife and ecological integrity. A site-specific safety plan addressed the hazards of working adjacent to active rail lines and operating heavy equipment at all hours.

With crews working continuous shifts, fatigue management and clear communication were critical. Daily safety huddles, shift handover briefings and vigilant onsite supervision ensured everyone remained alert and compliant with safety protocols. Additionally, the operations team strategically double-staffed the work before the 96-hour window, giving both day and night crews hands-on experience with site conditions and safety measures before splitting into their respective shifts.

The team’s planning, preparation and quick response to challenges resulted in the extended rail shutdown being completed 13 hours early, with the team completing more than 7,600 work hours with no injuries and recordable incidents.