The Public Tender for the Geotechnical Exploration and Foundation Installation in Section N3 of Manitoba Hydro’s Bipole III Transmission Line was awarded to Muskeko Joint Venture (Swampy Cree Holdings Ltd. and Sigfusson Northern Ltd.). The N3 section in Northern Manitoba extends from near Ponton, MB on #6 highway to 10 km south of The Pas, MB. This project started in the winter of 2014 and was completed in the winter of 2015.

This project included the geotechnical exploration and foundation installation along 187 km of new right of way for the Bipole III transmission line. Exploration work at the tower sites was completed using an excavator and/or a track mounted drill. Soil logs were completed to determine foundation types to be installed – earth, rock or non-typical.

Muskeko JV was responsible for setting up the remote camps necessary to accommdate field staff and the mobilization of the equipment for the geotechnical exploration and foundation installation work. Exploration work included drilling/excavating, sampling and testing of ground conditions for proposed tower locations along the right of way. Foundation work included the excavation, installation and backfilling for earth type concrete slug anchors and earth type concrete mat foundations as well as the excavating drilling, installing, grouting and backfilling of rock anchors and foundations. The remote work location included highly sensitive caribou and permafrost areas of Nortern Manitoba that required particular consideration.