Metro Vancouver's six most annoying construction projects this summer

Construction season is in full swing in Metro Vancouver, and along with it come drivers’ annoyances over detours, delays, and trying to figure out the speed limit to avoid getting a ticket.

To help you on your next commute, and just to let you know you’re not alone, we’ve rounded up the six most annoying construction projects this summer, in no particular order.

And yes, we recognize that these projects are crucial to the region’s infrastructure, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t challenging to navigate.

Feel free to debate in the comments, but please ensure you’re not driving while typing.

Steveston Interchange Project — Richmond

Improving traffic flow along the Highway 99 corridor is a no-brainer — but the ongoing closures are starting to weigh on even the most patient, playlist-loving commuters.

The Steveston Interchange Project is a key component of the Highway 99 Tunnel Program, which began in 2022 and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2025. However, motorists have been slowed down or detoured throughout the project as crews have to close the route for long stretches overnight to replace the existing two-lane interchange with a five-lane structure.

The provincial highway was recently closed in both directions overnight while crews delivered and installed the main concrete girders that will span Highway 99. BC Ferries even issued an advisory for travellers warning of delays getting to its Tsawwassen terminal.

Fraser Highway Skytrain Construction —  Surrey

A seven-month closure of the busy Fraser Highway segment between 140 Street and 96 Avenue in Surrey is necessary to accommodate the overhead construction of Green Timbers Station.

The construction activities at the Fraser Highway closure area include new electrical utilities, roadwork, foundation construction, and guideway and station construction. This will be a one-time, prolonged closure for the project.

Vehicle traffic will primarily be redirected to 96 Avenue. Additionally, there will be intermittent overnight closures of Fraser Highway between 96 Avenue and 148 Street on the east side of Green Timbers Urban Forest, with the closures running from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as required.

Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project — Surrey/New Westminster

There is significant visual progress on the project to build a new replacement crossing for the Pattullo Bridge, located between New Westminster and Surrey. However, drivers still need to be mindful of various closures for the current bridge and surrounding streets.

We recently reported on full closures of the Patullo Bridge over the Victoria Day long weekend, and overnight closures of Front Street and Columbia Street are needed to finish additional bridge deck construction activities.

And while news that the new crossing will be renamed with a new First Nations name in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language is exciting, drivers just want the project to be done as soon as possible.

East 1st Avenue Sewer Upgrades — Vancouver

Another major route that has been a bit of a mess for drivers is in busy East Vancouver, as the city works can complete significant sewer infrastructure improvements along East 1st Avenue.

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit says that the north side on-ramp to Highway 1 westbound from East 1st Avenue will be closed for two weeks, until Monday, Aug. 4.

During the period of the closure, the on-ramp is going to stay closed, meaning that you won’t be able to turn right or left onto the Highway 1 westbound on-ramp from East 1st Avenue. If you don’t obey the signage? Well, here’s what could happen to you.

Broadway Subway Project — Vancouver

Vancouver commuters are experiencing a long period of pain for the long-term gain of the Broadway Subway.

The SkyTrain Millennium Line’s Broadway Extension, reaching Arbutus in Vancouver, is currently slated to open in Fall 2027.

When major construction work on the SkyTrain extension began in Spring 2021, it was anticipated that the new subway would be ready for its first passengers by late 2025, based on the assumption that tunnel boring would reach completion by late 2023.

Many local businesses have been affected by the construction, and although work on the Broadway Subway project is now entering its most advanced stages, traffic disruptions continue throughout the summer as well. On several days throughout July, West Broadway has been reduced to single lanes each way to facilitate work for the project.

Highway 1 Exit 33 full closure — Burnaby

Metro Vancouver Highway 1 drivers should be aware of a summer exit closure that may affect their daily commute.

The closure impacts the westbound Kensington Avenue offramp, which will be fully closed 24/7, and seven days a week, as well as one northbound lane on Kensington Avenue. This is part of a project by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI).

According to Drive BC, paving operations are planned at Exit 33 (Kensington Avenue in Burnaby) until Sunday, Aug. 31, so be careful to plan ahead. Otherwise, you may need to do some major backtracking at Gaglardi Way or Willingdon Avenue for north-south travel off Highway 1 westbound as detour routes.

Which spot did we miss? Let us know in the comments.

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With files from Daily Hive staff