Abstract Manager

The Northern Road Link (NRL) project aims to connect the Webequie and Marten Falls communities, as well as the Ring of Fire resources in the McFaulds Lake area, to the existing Ontario highway network. Spanning 165 kilometers, the road traverses the ecologically sensitive Hudson Bay Lowlands in Northern Ontario, raising concerns about potential impacts on Treaty 9 communities, local flora, fauna, and the environment, including extensive peatlands.

The project's objectives are to provide year-round accessibility, foster economic development, and facilitate access to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. However, concerns have been expressed about the potential impact on the peatland ecosystem and its contribution to climate change.

Key challenges in constructing roadways over peatlands include potential disruption of the peat ecosystem, variations in peat characteristics, and the necessity to safeguard shallow groundwater and surface water. Construction techniques involving geogrids and geotextiles "float" the road through organic terrain. Adequate groundwater regime maintenance is crucial to address issues like water ponding, nutrient-rich water diversion, and downstream vegetation degradation. Peat depth and composition influence embankment size and groundwater mitigation measures.

The presentation focuses on selecting an optimal approach for road construction over peatland, considering its impact on groundwater regimes, road stability, aggregate needs, and long-term sustainability. The preferred solution integrates engineering, hydrogeological, and environmental considerations. Addressing challenges like limited access to construction materials in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, the project emphasizes a tailored approach. Proposed construction methods aim to elevate the road profile over peat without removal, introducing measures to prevent saturation and instability. The study underscores the importance of minimizing embankment damage during overtopping flow events to protect infrastructure and the surrounding ecosystem.

A significant challenge involves the limited availability of suitable aggregate sources complying with provincial requirements for road construction. In response, the project prioritizes minimizing environmental impacts, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, ensuring sustainability through durable materials, and reducing the overall environmental footprint. The innovative implementation of OptiHaul and Smart Pit concepts within RoadEng Software enhances efficiency and contributes to an optimized design. The presentation outlines the project's approach to climate change through considerations in geotechnical and pavement materials.

In conclusion, the NRL project is committed to innovative solutions aiming to address Indigenous community concerns, minimize the ecological footprint, address environmental concerns, and achieve sustainable highway design. The adoption of alternative construction methodologies ensures optimal functionality, extending the road's lifespan. The NRL project embodies responsible and sustainable engineering design.