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With construction activities ramping up around the planned new ballpark and mixed-use developments in Worcester’s Canal District, a key contract has been awarded that will let the projects move forward.

W. L. French Excavating Corporation has been awarded the contract for site demolition on the 22-acre parcel, mass excavating over 150,000 cubic yards of soil and disposing of nearly 118,000 tons of excess soil by construction project manager Gilbane-AECOM Hunt, a joint venture.

W. L. French will also provide installation of temporary shoring to support the existing CSX railroad as well as other existing site features needed to advance the ballpark and new building foundations. Approximately 95,000 cubic yards of the soil excavated from the site will be used as part of a concurrent project being developed by Madison Properties called South of Madison. To meet the critical project milestones, W. L. French will be removing upwards of 5,000 cubic yards from the ballpark site per day.

Polar Park will be home to the Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, the Worcester Red Sox, starting in the 2021 season once the team completes its move from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The park will seat 10,000 fans and is the centerpiece of a major redevelopment project that is already drawing independent investments into the city.

“W. L. French is proud and honored to be working with this exceptional team and city in the development of the Polar Park Stadium,” W. L. French President and CEO Bill French Jr. said in a statement, “This park is going to be an integral part of the revitalization of downtown Worcester and will be enjoyed by families, including our own, for decades to come.”

Established in 1972 and headquartered in North Billerica, W. L. French is one of Greater Boston’s prominent site excavation, environmental remediation and soil management firms, having worked on some of the region’s most complex and high-profile projects.