A Delta roadway that has re-opened after a lengthy closure, will once again be closed for an extended period.
Last year, Metro Vancouver began construction of a new 1.8 metre (six foot) diameter transmission watermain on 96 Avenue between 117B Street and the Southern Rail corridor in North Delta.
Part of a broader regional upgrade project, the road was closed for more than six months.
A traffic management plan and emergency response provisions were developed through consultations between Delta, Surrey and the regional district.
The road is now open, however, Delta council recently approved awarding a contract of more than $1.9 million for a city sanitary sewer upgrade project on 96 Avenue. The project includes installation of a large new sanitary sewer main along the avenue from 116 Street to east of the BC Hydro right-of-way/Southern Railway crossing.
Noting the road had only recently re-opened, Coun. Lois Jackson at a recent council meeting, said it is a major traffic feeder route that will now face another lengthy closure.
Pumps used for the sewer bypass operations will likely run 24 hours per day, she said, asking engineering staff why the two projects could not have taken place at the same time.
Staff noted the Metro project was simply too big to accommodate two contractors in the same area at the same time.
It’s the same issue which occurred during separate Metro and Delta upgrades on 52 Street in Tsawwassen.
Staff also noted the 96 Avenue project is to accommodate future densification of the Townline Node area.
A road improvement and beatification project is planned for 96 Avenue following the sewer upgrade, a project that will also involve the City of Surrey.
