Drivers should expect more road closures in a popular Vancouver neighbourhood to address congestion during sewer upgrade work.
Work continues on the third phase of the Oak Street sewer upgrades, resulting in delays along the busy thoroughfare.
The City of Vancouver advised commuters on X, formerly Twitter, early Monday, Sept. 23, that "local road closures are in place at some local access points" along West 70th Avenue and Oak Street.
The traffic advisory states that "non-compliance with signage could result in a ticket" and drivers should avoid taking short cuts.
In addition to the road closures, the city is conducting overnight sewer upgrades on Oak Street at various times on weekends through the spring of 2025. These upgrades are part of the project's third phase, taking place on Oak Street from W 70th Avenue to West 64th Avenue.
Vancouver conducts its third phase of the Oak Street sewer upgrades
The project's final phase occurs overnight on weekdays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on weekends, as needed. The city elected to conduct overnight work to "prioritize workers’ safety, minimize traffic impacts, and expedite the work."
Drivers should expect the following impacts through the project's completion in the spring of 2025 (and possible additional advisories from the city):
- Traffic lanes will be reduced to two lanes in each direction on Oak Street
- Monday to Friday: Traffic lanes will be reduced to one lane southbound and two lanes northbound on Oak Street during night work (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.).
- Some street and lane closures may be in effect to facilitate construction, with access maintained for local residents and businesses whenever possible.
- We recommend using alternative routes to avoid the project area whenever possible.
The city has provided a map indicating where the sewer upgrades are on Oak Street.
