Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT is the largest transit expansion in Canadian history. The project adds 19 kilometres of new light rail, including 10 kilometres underground, stretching from the city’s west end to its east. With 25 new stations and stops connecting to 54 bus routes, three subway lines, and multiple GO Transit services, it will transform how people move across Toronto by delivering shorter commutes, more reliable transit, and cleaner air.
At the heart of this city-shaping project is Caledonia Station, a complex excavation reaching 30 metres deep through some of Toronto’s most challenging ground conditions. When persistent groundwater issues stalled progress, Crosslinx Transit Solutions turned to WJ Canada. We stepped in to provide the expertise, systems, and certainty needed to move the project forward where others had struggled.
Caledonia Station presented a rare set of challenges. The excavation reached 30 metres deep and was shored using soldier piles and lagging, with multiple clay layers slicing through the aquifer and dividing groundwater into unpredictable zones. The existing dewatering system on site was not equipped to manage these conditions, putting the project timeline at risk.
WJ Canada was brought in to assess the geology and develop a targeted solution. Our specialists identified a network of ancient glacial lakebed deposits, including a continuous clay seam just one inch thick that spanned the entire site. Though thin, this layer was enough to disrupt water movement significantly. We designed a system that addressed each groundwater zone individually, ensuring a stable, dry excavation and enabling sump pit completion with confidence.
Once the subsurface conditions were fully understood, WJ Canada developed a sump pit dewatering strategy tailored to the site’s complex geology. Our team worked closely with Crosslinx to uncover and address each aquifer layer individually, managing the groundwater zone by zone with precision.
Using an engineering-led approach supported by continuous 24/7 monitoring and real-time system adjustments, we safely drew down water levels to the base of the sump pit. The result was a dry and stable excavation, ready for CTS to begin bottom-up construction of the station with confidence.
“WJ helped the Caledonia team through some very challenging conditions at Caledonia. They were committed and worked with us every step of the way. WJ’s can-do attitude was refreshing and much appreciated on this difficult and challenging site.”
Daniel Sanchez, Project Manager, Caledonia and Keelesdale Stations
At WJ Canada, we do more than install systems. We partner with clients to solve tough engineering challenges, manage risk, and deliver dependable results, even in the most complex ground conditions. The Caledonia Station project is one of many examples where our deep technical expertise and collaborative approach helped drive a critical infrastructure build on track.
WJ have completed many projects in Canada and globally. Click on the links below to learn more about what we do.
Are you ready to see what else our vision can bring to your projects? Why not speak to our team of groundwater experts today?
