Beginning today (Monday, Nov. 16, 2009), the design builder is conducting geotechnical work to analyse the soil composition. This work is necessary to further the detailed design for the West LRT prior to the beginning of construction. Here is the geotechnical work scope:

• Drilling and digging will be underway from Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. (within The City’s noise bylaw constraints) from Monday, Nov.16 to the week of Dec. 7, 2009.
• All holes from drilling and digging will be filled or capped at the end of each day.
• There are three lane closures currently scheduled for this work all of which are on Tuesday, Dec. 1 and Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the vicinity of the Crowchild Trail/Bow Trail interchange. There may be additional lane closures required through the schedule. The project team will notify you and the media once these additional lane closures are confirmed.
• These lane closures are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (off-peak) with minimal delays.
• All work is restricted to within the West LRT right of way.

There are two types of geotechnical explorations underway depending on the location:

1. Bore Hole – This work is conducted with a drill rig, which will drill a six inch in diameter hole a number of metres below the surface. The hole will be covered and capped at the end of each day. Noise levels will be high during this drilling.
2. Test Pit – This work is conducted by a back hoe, which will dig a 6m deep hole approximately 2m x 2m. The hole will be filled at the end of each day. Noise levels are expected to be minor to moderate.