Naotkamegwanning First Nation – Roadway Rehabilitation

Client: Naotkamegwanning First Nation

Location: Naotkamegwanning First Nation, Ontario, Canada

Blue Mountain Drive, the primary access route serving Naotkamegwanning First Nation, Northwest Angle #33 First Nation, and Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation, required significant rehabilitation to improve safety, reliability, and long-term performance. The existing surface-treated roadway had a Pavement Condition Rating (PCR) of 40/100, indicating poor to fair condition, with frequent potholes, surface distortions, overgrown shoulders, and inadequate drainage contributing to standing water and ongoing maintenance concerns.

JRCC provided engineering design and construction administration services for the rehabilitation of the roadway and associated drainage infrastructure. The project included approximately 3.8 km of roadway rehabilitation, 6.5 km of ditch regrading, and the installation of drainage improvements, including ditch outfalls and culverts, to improve drainage performance and extend the service life of the roadway.

During construction, saturated soil conditions associated with elevated water levels resulted in poor subgrade conditions, including soft spots and unstable slopes at various locations along the corridor. These challenges were addressed through additional excavation and replacement of unsuitable material, placement of granular fill, and slope stabilization using riprap.

Substantial completion was achieved in August 2022, resulting in a safer, more reliable transportation corridor for the three communities.