Traffic flow restored on Oak and West Pender streets as City completes infrastructure upgrades
As 2024 draws to a close, the City of Vancouver is pleased to announce the recent completion of two significant infrastructure upgrade projects in the 2023-26 Capital Plan: Oak Street Sewer Upgrades and West Pender Street Water Upgrades: Phase 1.
Oak Street Sewer Upgrades
Sewer upgrade work along Oak Street, West 70th Avenue, and Fremlin Street concluded this week. The new separated sewer pipe system will serve residents and businesses on the growing Cambie Corridor and supports climate change adaptation.
All traffic lanes, sidewalks and business access points have now been restored in the neighbourhood. Crews will return for a short period in the spring to complete permanent street repaving and minor restoration work.
Valued at $28.5 million, Oak Street Sewer Upgrades was a three-phase construction project that launched in October 2023. This project involved replacing aging combined sewer pipes with upgraded pipes that carry rainwater and sewage separately.
In addition to supporting a growing population, the upgraded pipes are also designed to manage more intense rainfall, which is expected due to climate change. By carrying rainwater and sewage separately in pipes, the City is working toward its long-term goal of improving water quality in the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet, False Creek and English Bay.
West Pender Street Water Upgrades: Phase 1
Last month, the City completed installation of renewed drinking water pipe infrastructure downtown between Burrard Street and Bute Street, as phase one of the West Pender Street Water Upgrades project.
This work represents a $5.4 million investment in renewal of aging water main infrastructure that was reaching the end of its useful service life. Phase two of these upgrades, between Bute Street and Cardero Street, will take place in the coming years. Once complete, the surrounding area will benefit from one kilometre of renewed drinking water pipe infrastructure with a lifespan of up to 100 years.
Access to businesses, sidewalks and traffic lanes have now been restored along this key downtown route. Permanent street repaving will take place in the spring.
Over successive capital plans, the City is making significant investments across our network of infrastructure and amenities to continue to enhance the livability, sustainability, and resilience of our city. This includes accelerating renewal of our aging water and sewer infrastructure. Learn more about these capital projects at vancouver.ca/capital-projects.
The City thanks residents, businesses and commuters for their patience and cooperation while ongoing critical rehabilitation, renewal and development projects take place around the city.