Traffic disruptions are expected when FortisBC begins upgrading its gas line along Coquitlam's Como Lake Avenue in March.
The utility provider said it intends to have both an eastbound and westbound lane open for the duration of the project, which will be completed by the end of the year.
"We understand it can be disruptive to have a major construction project in your neighbourhood, which is why our goal is to complete the work safely and as quickly as possible." said Doug Stout, vice-president of market development and external relations with FortisBC. "We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding, both so far and as we complete construction this year."
While lanes will be open in both directions, FortisBC said it intends to restrict westbound drivers between Linton and Robinson streets to local traffic, buses and emergency vehicles. However, a company spokesperson acknowledged there was little that could be done to stop drivers from accessing that section of the road.
The Coquitlam work is just one phase in a larger 20-km project that began in Vancouver and has been making its way through Burnaby along the Lougheed Highway over the last year.
FortisBC said the work is necessary to improve service for its 210,000 customers in the Lower Mainland.
But the final 5.5 km Coquitlam section has not been without controversy.
The city, which will receive $300,000 in a community amenity contribution for the project, has complained of a lack of compensation to to cover the disruption. On top of the money, Coquitlam wants the company to repave Como Lake Avenue from curb to curb rather than the parts of the road it is ripping up.
City staff have also noted that FortisBC is not removing its existing line once it is replaced with a new one, choosing instead to fill the 20-inch pipe with concrete and leave it in place. The city said leaving the line where it is will increase the municipality's costs for future upgrades and roadwork.
City manager Peter Steblin told council last summer that negotiations were continuing.
"In our opinion, [FortisBC does] not show enough credence to other uses," he said. "They are very focused on their needs and they are not as concerned as we believe they should be… with other utilities and other stakeholders present and in the future."
