Construction is now under way on our latest upgrade project in Metro Vancouver. As part of this work, we’re replacing the 60-year-old gas line that runs from Vancouver to Coquitlam and serves more than 200,000 customers.

To get this necessary upgrade done, we’ll need to close lanes and some busy roads over the next two years, including East 1st Avenue in Vancouver starting today, Lougheed Highway in Burnaby later this summer and Como Lake Avenue in Coquitlam next year.

“We understand that residents across the Lower Mainland will experience major traffic impacts as a result, and we appreciate their patience during the disruption,” said Douglas Stout, FortisBC vice-president of market development and external relations.

Improving safety and reliability

The new line will ensure the reliability of our system by replacing the existing 20-kilometres of 20-inch gas line with 30-inch gas line. Two existing facilities will be upgraded at East 2nd Avenue and Woodland Drive in Vancouver and Mariner Way and Spuraway Avenue in Coquitlam to service the new line.

“This work will make sure our customers continue to receive the reliable natural gas they count on in their homes and businesses every day,” said Melanie Kilpatrick, FortisBC project director.

This latest project is just one example of how FortisBC is working every day to improve the natural gas system in the Lower Mainland. Construction of an upgraded 11-kilometre gas line from Surrey to Coquitlam was completed at the end of 2017, with a few restoration projects left to finish.

Traffic impact

There will be delays in the areas where we’re working so tune in to local traffic media or talkingenergy.ca for the latest updates. Keep in mind that local shops and businesses along the route will be open throughout construction.

If you travel on East 1st as part of your commute or when travelling into Vancouver, you will need to adjust your travel plans. There will be partial road closures between Nanaimo Street and Boundary Road from now until the end of August. The road will be fully closed from Nanaimo Street to Clark Drive from July 3 to August 31.

In Burnaby, we’ll start working along Gilmore Avenue, between Graveley and 1st Avenue, and a section of Douglas Road south of Carleton Avenue until the end of June. Construction is expected to start next year in Coquitlam and the entire project is expected to be complete by the end of 2019.

For more information on the project visit talkingenergy.ca.