Greetings

Complete.  What a nice word.

Arthon Construction Ltd. is pleased to advise that the preloads for the
Lake Okanagan Bridge have been completed.

Our scale records show that a total of 50,965 tonnes was hauled to the east
side, complete at the end of May. (June 4 actually)  This included
blast rock, processed 3" rock, rip-rap, and a larger 4" material.

On the westside preload, 33,732 tonne were hauled to June 14 at which time
the installed pressure guages elevated and a waiting period began.  We started
back on August 14 and were able to complete all fill operations on the 17th
of October.  In the 64 days up to Oct. 17th we were only able to haul and place
on 28 nights due to varying sub-surface pressures.  A further 59,755 tonnes
were hauled for a total on the west side of just under 93,500 tonnes.

There are many many people to thank for the completion of the work including
our staff and contract workers and the trucks which made almost 10,000 round
trips from the yard at 97 and Westside Road to the bridge and back.  We had
terrific support from Westbank First Nations band members.  First Nations
trucking represented over 40% of all hauling to the bridge on this project, in
addition to assisting in other areas.

Regarding Westside Road, our work is complete with over 100,000 cubic
metres of rock removed.  The slide area and lock block wall single lane
area remains - for now.  The slipping hillside is a unique geological condition
and requires professional input from a number of sources.  Unfortunately, the
completion of that short stretch or road is yet to occur - and is awaiting
final Ministry direction.

This project presented us with a once-in-a-lifetime set of challenges, but
with the help of many, the patience of all, and a great crew, we believe this
section of Westside Road is vastly improved and a pleasure to drive.

Delays hereafter will be minor for alternating traffic only.
(The flaggers who remain smile and will tell the odd joke)

Thank you to the Province - Ministry of Highways - for the work and to
all who passed our way and assisted with the project.

Arthon Construction Ltd. has commenced our next project - the 4 laning of
the Trans Canada Highway through Banff National Park.

Don't worry, be happy.
Drive safely

Cheers
steve d


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Arthon Construction Ltd.                        http://www.arthon.com/
Stephen H. Dimond, M.Sc., P.Eng.                      steve@arthon.com
P.O. Box 29001, Okanagan Mission                    Tel : 250-764-6144
Kelowna, British Columbia,                          Fax : 250-764-6143
Canada, V1W 4A7                                    Cell : 604-302-9900
************  ^^  **************  ^^  **************  ^^  ************

Westside Rd - CLICK to Enlarge