The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is Canada’s largest transit expansion. It is a high-profile project where delays carry real cost for the city and its residents. When construction teams uncovered unexpected groundwater at Science Centre Station, progress came to a sudden halt. The site had been assessed as dry, but the reality underground told a different story.
One morning, WJ Canada received an urgent call from the CTS team at Science Centre Station. Groundwater had appeared at the bottom of the excavation, halting progress. At 800 metres long, Science Centre is the largest and deepest excavation on the Eglinton Crosstown project, with its lowest point running beneath Don Mills Road. A fast, engineered response was critical.
A previous hydrogeological report indicated that no groundwater would be present. But as the CTS crew reached the base of the excavation, they encountered nearly one metre of water sitting above the clay till. The unexpected inflow stalled the final stages of excavation and delayed the start of concrete placement. Without a fast solution, the project faced significant disruption.
Within days of receiving the call, WJ Canada mobilised to site and began work immediately. Our team designed and installed a system of inclined wellpoints on both the north and south sides of the excavation. Drilling was carried out from the base of the shaft, through the lagging wall, allowing us to commission the system efficiently and without delay.
Within two weeks of the initial call, WJ Canada successfully dewatered the Station site. CTS resumed excavation in dry and stable conditions. Three months later, all concrete and waterproofing work was complete, and WJ safely decommissioned the system. The project was back on track with minimal disruption.
“WJ came in on very short notice and executed a professional and effective dewatering solution. Their solution was cost effective and efficient as the wells were short and installed from the base of the excavation. The solution was tailored to our needs as they allowed us to complete our station build-back all the while remaining functional behind the waterproofing membrane. I would recommend WJ to any contractor in need of a dewatering partner.”
Diego Ocampo, Project Manager, Science Centre
Unexpected groundwater can derail even the most carefully planned projects. WJ Canada responded with speed, precision, and a solution tailored to complex site conditions. Our team worked closely with CTS to restore control below ground so progress could continue above it.
This project is one of many where WJ’s engineering-led approach, deep technical expertise, and commitment to partnership have helped keep major infrastructure moving forward. When the unexpected happens, we bring clarity, confidence, and control.
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