Vancouver to face record-breaking construction projects this summer
Pattullo bridge closure also set to start this weekend
There are only two real seasons in Canada — winter and construction: that adage is certainly going to feel true this summer.
The City of Vancouver says it's going to see a record-breaking 130 construction projects this summer and it's warning commuters to plan ahead for major slowdowns in key arteries of the city.
Traffic snarls
Construction on the Pattullo Bridge — one of the biggest projects — starts this weekend and will render the whole bridge closed from 8 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday.
After that, it will be open for only one lane in each direction until early October.
"We're suggesting to people that they expect an additional 40 minutes of travel time," said Jennifer Morland, a TransLink spokeswoman.
The water main work on Pender Street that started last year will continue this summer into August. Drivers will only have one eastbound lane available between Carrall and Seymour streets.
Some of the major work along the Burrard corridor will continue as the bridge undergoes upgrades. The city will leave at least one lane open between Davie Street and 17th Avenue, but it is warning the public to expect delays.
A major section of South West Marine Drive will also be fully closed heading west from Granville Street until the end of the summer.
The city will also work on the downtown bike network along Beatty Street, Cambie Street northbound, Richards Street southbound, Smithe Street westbound and Nelson Street eastbound.
Special events
About 125 special events and more than 20 film shoots will also affect traffic in plenty of Vancouver neighbourhoods.
"It starts off with the BMO Marathon this weekend and a whole series of special events after that," said Jerry Dobrovolny, the city's general manager of engineering
"We've got nine peak cruise ship days in May alone, so we're really pleased that the tourism events are back, that the film and special events are back. So there's going to be a very wide mix of activities on the city's streets."