Water main replacement on Georgia could snarl downtown traffic in the new year

Construction to replace a 96-year-old water main on Georgia Street will likely add to congestion in Vancouver’s downtown core in the new year, according to the city.

Crews will begin work to renew the 1920s-era water main on January 6. The work will have lanes blocked on West Georgia Street between Howe and Thurlow streets.

The City of Vancouver tweeted that drivers should plan for “significant” delays and consider alternate routes to get in and out of downtown. The work is expected to last until April 2020.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Starting Jan 6, 2020, City crews will begin a scheduled replacement of a 1920s-era water main on West Georgia between Howe & Thurlow. Commuters should anticipate significant delays & are encouraged to plan ahead. #VanTraffic More info at https://t.co/f00MBBaN7O pic.twitter.com/luWComMEWD

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) December 26, 2019

The old water main has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced after a series of leaks, according to the city’s website. The new water and sewer infrastructure beneath Georgia Street is expected to last another 100 years.

• See also:
  • City of Vancouver outlines traffic impact during planned water main replacement
  • City commits to water main replacement after second break in 3 months
  • Burst water main rains down water and gravel near Vancouver Art Gallery (PHOTOS)

After crews complete work at Georgia and Howe, they’ll continue west to finish the replacement along the length of Georgia Street.