Georgia Street Partial Closures

August 27, 1996
Attention Traffic Reporters

Georgia Street Re-opens Ahead of Schedule
Georgia Street at Broughton will be completely open to traffic in both directions at 7 a.m. August 28.
Work crews are scheduled to finish installation of pipe across Georgia Street two days ahead of schedule. This was accomplished thanks to extended working hours, favourable digging conditions and good weather.
Partial closures of Georgia at Broughton were necessary to install underground pipe for a dedicated fire protection system in the downtown area.
The installation of pipe will continue along Broughton Street. The public can expect future delays as the work progresses, and crosses such major streets as Alberni and Robson within the next few weeks. Delays will be minimized as much as possible.
City crews thank the public for their patience during this difficult project.
Vancouver's dedicated fire protection system provides the ability to use fresh and salt water to fight fires in the West End and Downtown. Installation of the system poses unique problems for work crews. The pipe is specially made to be earthquake-resistant. It is large-diameter pipe (24") and comes in 50-foot lengths to minimize the number of welded joints. It is laid deeper than normal watermain (12 - 23 feet deep) and there are strict requirements for materials used around the pipe and in backfilling the trenches. All this adds to the installation time.
Media enquiries:
Brian Crowe
Waterworks Engineer
873-7368

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