Kicking Horse Canyon

The Trans-Canada Highway is a vital transportation link that connects the west coast at the Pacific Ocean to the east coast at the Atlantic Ocean. The main route, stretching 7,821 kilometres, represents the fourth-longest highway in the world and the second-longest within the boundary of a single country.

In its coast-to-coast trek, it passes through several wildly different landscapes, none more difficult to cross than the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia. The Kicking Horse Canyon, nested in the heart of the Rockies just east of the Town of Golden, highlights many of the biggest road-building challenges with its near vertical terrain and its frequent rockslides and avalanches.

Over the past two decades, the Province of BC has embarked on extensive upgrades to this 26km mountain corridor. In late 2023, the final “Phase 4” was completed, the most difficult 4.8 km stretch with more than 80% supported on structure rather than earth embankment. As the project’s Owner’s Engineer, WSP has played an integral role in developing a solution that focused on creating a safe passage for everyone.

Location

Golden, British Columbia

Client

British Columbia | Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Project Value

+$600 Million

Project Status

Completed

Expanding Through Challenging Terrain

Part of the overall expansion of Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) from Kamloops, British Columbia to the Alberta border, the 26-kilometre Kicking Horse Canyon project completes the work to create a safer, more efficient route through the Rockies.

The challenge was multi-faceted: twinning the highway from two lanes to four with minimal disruptions to travelers, enhancing safety features for motorists and wildlife, and creating wide enough shoulders to allow for safe pedestrian and cyclist passage.

Overcoming these challenges were imperative to creating an expanded and safer corridor that can support all forms of travel through BC’s Rocky Mountains.

Length in kilometres of the Phase 4 Project

48km 48km

Supported on structure rather than earth embankment

80% 80%

Average daily number of motorists during the summer months

10,000 10,000

Creating a Safer Highway

Traversing the side of steep mountain peaks throughout the Canyon, a vital piece of the project was introducing new safety measures.

Multiple solutions were introduced to prevent rock fall and avalanche impacts to the highway. Shifts in the alignment of 13 curves, and the introduction of new bridges, created space where materials can flow underneath the highway structure. These were complemented by the addition of large retaining walls and rock catchment ditches, which all work together to prevent materials from reaching the highway and potentially impacting motorists.

Despite the difficult terrain, improvements were able to introduce significantly improved safety of the roadway even under the most severe conditions.

The most difficult section of the upgrade had been left for this last phase, where more than 80% of the roadway is being supported on structure rather than earth embankment. We’ve worked alongside the province’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure that the new roadway will provide a safe and efficient route for everyone.

Keith Holmes Owner’s Engineer Structures Lead for the Project

Ensuring Wildlife Can Thrive

Keeping motorists protected from the surrounding area was a key priority for the highway expansion, but so was keeping the area’s animal population safe from motorists. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are among the species that call the region home.

Ensuring their safe passage through the newly-constructed section of the highway was of utmost importance. To do so, wildlife fencing was installed along the length of the corridor, with passage provided under some of the elevated structures. By introducing both elements, local wildlife are guided in a safe manner, preventing them from attempting to cross the busy roadway in an unsafe manner.

Improving Access for Cyclists

The Trans-Canada Highway is one of only a few highway routes through BC’s Rockies, making it a popular destination for cyclists.

As part of the Kicking Horse Canyon expansion, wider shoulders were introduced, allowing for cyclists to have safer passage through the corridor. Whether cyclists start their trek from Golden to the west or destinations to the east like Lake Louise, Alberta, the enhancements provide a safer and more reliable ride, attracting more people to the region.

What makes this project stand out

Reduced Impacts from Falling Debris

The introduction of new bridges and viaducts, along with retaining walls and catchment ditches, significantly reduce the risk of rock fall and avalanche to road users.

Considerations for Wildlife

The installation of fencing and under-highway crossing areas make it safer for wildlife to roam through the Canyon.

Wide Shoulders for Cyclists

The widening of the shoulders to provincial standards means cyclists can also safely enjoy a ride through Kicking Horse Canyon along the Trans-Canada Highway.