Today, 02:12 AM
The Sea to Sky Corridor and Cut 10
The Sea to Sky Highway, officially known as British Columbia Highway 99, stretches from Vancouver to Whistler and beyond, winding through some of the most dramatic terrain in western Canada. In preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the highway underwent extensive upgrades, including the infamous Cut 10—a vertical granite rock face that had to be blasted and excavated to widen the roadway. The site was wedged between active railroad tracks below and the Pacific Ocean just a few hundred meters away. Above, the highway carried thousands of vehicles daily, including Olympic-bound traffic and commercial freight.
Geological Challenges and Blasting Operations
Cut 10 was carved through solid granite, a material known for its density and resistance to mechanical excavation. The vertical nature of the rock face required precision drilling and controlled blasting. The drill and blast superintendent oversaw operations from 2006 to 2008, coordinating aerial surveys and safety protocols. Blasting had to be timed carefully to avoid disrupting rail traffic and marine activity, with sport fishermen often visible offshore during detonation windows.
The granite’s fracture pattern was unpredictable, requiring constant adjustment of drill spacing and charge depth. Vibration monitoring equipment was installed to protect nearby infrastructure, and flyrock containment systems were deployed to shield the tracks and highway.
Terminology Clarification
Once blasting exposed the rock face, excavators were brought in to clear debris and shape the slope. Machines had to operate on narrow benches with limited maneuvering space. Long-reach excavators were used to pull material from steep angles, while compact units handled cleanup near the rail corridor.
Operators faced extreme conditions:
Aerial Documentation and Safety Legacy
The superintendent responsible for blasting also documented the project through aerial photography, capturing the scale and complexity of the operation. These images served both as progress reports and training material for future projects. The job was completed with a perfect safety record, a rare achievement in such a hazardous environment.
The legacy of Cut 10 includes not only the physical transformation of the highway but also the procedural innovations in safety and coordination. Lessons learned from this site have influenced subsequent infrastructure projects in mountainous terrain across Canada.
Recommendations for Similar Projects
For contractors facing similar conditions:
The Sea to Sky Cut 10 excavation was more than a routine highway expansion—it was a high-stakes operation balancing geology, logistics, and safety. With granite cliffs above, rail lines below, and the ocean beside, the site tested the limits of excavation planning and execution. Through careful coordination and technical expertise, crews transformed a wild stretch of coastline into a safe and scenic corridor, leaving behind not just a widened highway but a blueprint for working in extreme environments.
The Sea to Sky Highway, officially known as British Columbia Highway 99, stretches from Vancouver to Whistler and beyond, winding through some of the most dramatic terrain in western Canada. In preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the highway underwent extensive upgrades, including the infamous Cut 10—a vertical granite rock face that had to be blasted and excavated to widen the roadway. The site was wedged between active railroad tracks below and the Pacific Ocean just a few hundred meters away. Above, the highway carried thousands of vehicles daily, including Olympic-bound traffic and commercial freight.
Geological Challenges and Blasting Operations
Cut 10 was carved through solid granite, a material known for its density and resistance to mechanical excavation. The vertical nature of the rock face required precision drilling and controlled blasting. The drill and blast superintendent oversaw operations from 2006 to 2008, coordinating aerial surveys and safety protocols. Blasting had to be timed carefully to avoid disrupting rail traffic and marine activity, with sport fishermen often visible offshore during detonation windows.
The granite’s fracture pattern was unpredictable, requiring constant adjustment of drill spacing and charge depth. Vibration monitoring equipment was installed to protect nearby infrastructure, and flyrock containment systems were deployed to shield the tracks and highway.
Terminology Clarification
- Cut: A section of terrain removed to create space for infrastructure, often through blasting or excavation.
- Flyrock: Rock fragments propelled by blasting, posing safety risks if not contained.
- Drill and Blast: A method of rock removal involving boreholes filled with explosives.
- Vibration Monitoring: Equipment used to measure ground movement during blasting to prevent structural damage.
Once blasting exposed the rock face, excavators were brought in to clear debris and shape the slope. Machines had to operate on narrow benches with limited maneuvering space. Long-reach excavators were used to pull material from steep angles, while compact units handled cleanup near the rail corridor.
Operators faced extreme conditions:
- Constant exposure to wind and salt spray from the ocean
- Limited visibility due to fog and rain
- Risk of rockfall from partially fractured granite
- Tight scheduling to avoid rail and highway disruptions
Aerial Documentation and Safety Legacy
The superintendent responsible for blasting also documented the project through aerial photography, capturing the scale and complexity of the operation. These images served both as progress reports and training material for future projects. The job was completed with a perfect safety record, a rare achievement in such a hazardous environment.
The legacy of Cut 10 includes not only the physical transformation of the highway but also the procedural innovations in safety and coordination. Lessons learned from this site have influenced subsequent infrastructure projects in mountainous terrain across Canada.
Recommendations for Similar Projects
For contractors facing similar conditions:
- Conduct pre-blast aerial surveys to assess fracture zones
- Use vibration sensors and flyrock barriers to protect adjacent assets
- Deploy long-reach excavators with tilt buckets for slope shaping
- Schedule work during low traffic and rail windows to minimize disruption
- Document operations for training and liability protection
The Sea to Sky Cut 10 excavation was more than a routine highway expansion—it was a high-stakes operation balancing geology, logistics, and safety. With granite cliffs above, rail lines below, and the ocean beside, the site tested the limits of excavation planning and execution. Through careful coordination and technical expertise, crews transformed a wild stretch of coastline into a safe and scenic corridor, leaving behind not just a widened highway but a blueprint for working in extreme environments.
