The New Central Library has reached an important milestone with the ‘topping off’ of the LRT encapsulation. The library is being built over Calgary’s busiest LRT line which bisects the site and occupies approximately 40% of the site area. In order to build the library superstructure, it was necessary to encase 150 metres of the LRT track with a new concrete structure. In addition to functioning as a protective barrier it now serves as the permanent foundation system for the library. This innovative engineering feat is the first project in Calgary’s history that builds around and over an active LRT line. The construction of the LRT encapsulation took 18 months with the design and engineering solution allowing 99% of the project to be completed with the C-Train line in full service.
The vertical construction of the $245 million, 278,000 ft2 library will now commence and is expected to take approximately 750 days to construct. The building is on schedule to open to the public in 2018.
Entuitive continues to be at the forefront of developing innovative engineering solutions, particularly with overbuild projects. We also developed the unique solution for the Manhattan West platform in New York’s Hudson Yards district.
Check out this time lapse video of the LRT encapsulation construction:
