File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Trans Mountain Expansion

Trans Mountain to pause entire expansion project after series of safety incidents

Dec 17, 2020 | 3:18 PM

EDMONTON — Trans Mountain has announced it is shutting down its expansion project for more than two weeks for safety reasons. The pause in construction will be effective from Friday (Dec. 18) to Jan. 4.

The announcement comes two days after a contractor was seriously injured at the Burnaby Terminal.

In a news release, Trans Mountain President and CEO Ian Anderson says that is the latest in a series of safety concerns.

“Over the past two months, we have seen safety incidents at our worksites that are unacceptable to Trans Mountain. This is inconsistent with Trans Mountain’s proud safety culture,” says Anderson.

Anderson says the shutdown will allow the “review, reset and refocus” its safety efforts, as well as those for its employed contractors.

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During the down time, Anderson says Trans Mountain will engage with its staff and independent contractors in order “to ensure all safety management systems are in place, including COVID-19 protocols, to ensure everyone returns to work safely.”

The news release notes approximately 20 per cent of the twinning project has been completed in 2020, and 2021 will see construction stepped up to peak activity.