Major Metro Vancouver construction project expanding road closures until new year
A years-long Metro Vancouver construction project to replace a water main built back in the 1930s has expanded the scope of necessary road closures.
The Central Park Water Main – Imperial Section project, constructed “to replace an existing water main that… is reaching the end of its service life,” has issued a new alert for local residents, drivers and commuters.
A full road closure on sections of Imperial Street and Empress Avenue in Burnaby is in effect until early 2026, according to the traffic advisory issued on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Metro Vancouver map showing road closures and lane reductions on Imperial Street in Burnaby during Central Park Water Main construction.
“To ensure our contractor can complete construction activities as safely and efficiently as possible, the following traffic impacts will be in effect,” said Metro Vancouver Regional District in a release.
- Full road closure on Imperial Street, east of Brantford Avenue to west of Sperling Avenue
- Parking restrictions are in place along Imperial Street between Brantford Avenue and Sperling Avenue
Empress Avenue can still be accessed from the lane west of Sperling Avenue, and Brantford Elementary School can be accessed from Brantford Avenue.
Metro Vancouver added that two-way traffic will be reinstated for the holiday period from Wednesday, Dec. 24, to Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Kent Weakley/Shutterstock
“Traffic control personnel, fencing, and signage are in place around the work zone to ensure safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians during the work,” added the regional district in a statement. “You can expect delays in the area, and motorists should plan an alternate route.”
Construction of the new water main began in 2019 and is being constructed in phases due to its approximately 12 km span across New Westminster and Burnaby.
The Imperial Section of the Central Park Water Main is approximately 3.4 kilometres long in total, and runs along Imperial Street between Maywood Street at Telford Avenue, and Griffiths Avenue at Elwell Street.
The first phase of the Imperial Section of the Central Park Water Main began earlier this year. Metro Vancouver expects Phase 2 to start in fall 2026.
For questions or updates, residents can call the Community Liaison office at 604-432-6200.
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