forward-thinking solutions in the transportation sector. The project was initiated to address a longstanding problem along Hwy 33 north of Swan Hills in Alberta—a location where environmental sensitivity and infrastructure demands converge. Historically, the culvert at Jerry Creek had presented challenges that not only impeded the natural flow of the watercourse but also interfered with fish passage. The creek, renowned for its sport fish habitat and tributary connection to the Swan River, required an innovative intervention to restore connectivity and ensure the creek’s hydraulic capacity was sufficient during peak flows. The design challenge was significant. Detailed hydrologic evaluations and flow modeling using tools like HEC-RAS indicated that the existing structure was insufficient for the demands placed upon it, particularly during the creek’s peak flow periods. Understanding that any construction work in this area had to be undertaken with minimal disruption to the ecosystem, the GeoMetrix team set out to create a solution that balanced technical performance with environmental sensitivity. The result was a carefully conceived ninety-three-metre long, three-metre diameter culvert—an installation that not only addressed the immediate hydraulic issues but also paved the way for improved fish passage. In parallel with the installation of the new culvert, GeoMetrix also opted to preserve and rehabilitate the existing steel pipe culvert using geopolymer spray lining (GeoSpray). Rather than remove the aging infrastructure entirely, the rehabilitated culvert now serves as a functional overflow structure, diverting excess flow during peak events while helping to maintain sediment transport continuity and aquatic habitat stability. APRIL 2025
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTYzNTg=