Vancouver has started work on a massive project replacing one kilometre of sewer in a busy neighbourhood near Oak Street.
The Oak Street Sewer Separation project will feature a separated pipe system with a life expectancy of about 100 years.
Work commenced on the project in early August and will continue through spring 2025.
The city told V.I.A. that work is underway on the project's second phase, impacting traffic along 70th Avenue from Fremlin to Oak streets.
"Impacts to [Oak Street] bridge traffic are not expected during this phase of work. Construction has not yet progressed to Oak Street but will in the coming weeks," it said in a statement.
The current work will continue through Aug. 22 with traffic reduced to one lane in each direction. Drivers should expect delays and plan ahead.
The city will provide details on future traffic impacts as work progresses.
Oak Street Sewer Separation project
The city is replacing aging sewer infrastructure along Oak Street, West 70th Avenue, and Fremlin Street with separated pipes. When the project is completed, the upgraded system will serve the growing Cambie Corridor where over 50,000 new residents are expected to live by 2040.
The upgrade of the sewer system will:
- Accommodate population growth in the Cambie Corridor
- Effectively manage heavier rainfall expected with climate change
- Handle higher capacities of rainwater and sewage separately
- Help protect the water quality in the Fraser River
Sewer upgrades will take place in the following areas:
- Fremlin Street from SW Marine Drive to W 70th Avenue
- W 70th Avenue from Fremlin Street to Oak Street
- Oak Street from W 70th Avenue to W 64th Avenue
The work will temporarily increase noise levels in the area and create "some dust and vibration" due to the nature of the work.
