Ventilation niche work in the Mount Royal Tunnel

Overview of the REM and the Mount Royal Tunnel

Between Central Station and the future Canora station, the REM will travel through the railway tunnel located under Mount Royal. To this end, major modernisation work must be carried out in order to adapt it to the REM’s own electric light rail system and to current safety standards.

Nature of the work

Beginning on the week of April 19, 2021, work will begin on the construction of ventilation niches in the Mount Royal Tunnel in the Des Pins Avenue, Peel Street and McTavish Street sector. This work will take place over a period of approximately 3 months and will include the following activities:

• Controlled blasting excavation
• Concreting
• Consolidation of rock by means of anchors

Impacts and mitigation measures

The work will be carried out inside the Mount Royal Tunnel, from 50 up to 90 metres underneath the surface. However, certain impacts are to be anticipated in connection with the abovementioned work:

• 1 to 2 blasts will be done per day, depending on the progress of the work.
• Vibrations and noise may be felt during the controlled blasts.
• Environmental specialists will conduct monitoring activities to ensure that the project complies with applicable noise, vibration and air quality criteria.

*Dates are subject to change.

Controlled blasting in a nutshell

Monitoring and control measures are applied for controlled blasting excavation. Strict criteria must be observed in order to maintain the integrity of the buildings in the vicinity and for the safety of all, including workers.

During the work, seismographs are installed around the construction site area and vibration monitoring is carried out continuously.

The human body perceives vibrations at a very low level. Even if vibrations are felt, their level remains controlled and low, and does not in any way endanger nearby infrastructure.