If you think traffic on East 1st Avenue is bad enough during peak hours, expect it to get worse this summer while Fortis BC closes a number of blocks in both directions to replace a section of a gas line.
East 1st Avenue is expected to be fully closed between Clark and Nanaimo from mid-June through August. With more closures expected between Nanaimo and Boundary later in the year.
WATCH: Major summer closure of East 1st Avenue in Vancouver
“This project will require temporary street closures in certain locations and will result in major traffic disruptions,” reads a statement from Fortis BC.
Work is expected to take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m, seven days a week, but with limited work on Sundays.
Barricades are expected to start going up Saturday, May 26.
“We understand this will cause significant delays, and apologize for the inconvenience this causes for those who live, work and commute through these areas.”
The company says it will provide more detailed information, including timings and road closures, once the construction contract is finalized.
But Vancouver is not alone, Burnaby should also brace for major traffic disruptions, mainly along Lougheed Highway, as the company replaces the 20-km gas line between its Coquitlam and Vancouver stations.
“Upgrading the system will ensure we’re able to meet the needs of the 210,000 customers who rely on it to deliver natural gas to their homes and businesses – now, and well into the future,” reads the statement.
According to the company, the replacement will also provide additional seismic resilience to the existing system.
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