16-month Robson-to-Guildford water main work to start this month

After three years of work, they’re 200 metres and 16 months from the finish line.

Following delays, Metro Vancouver is set to start installation work this month on two underground valve chambers and 200 metres of water main along Pipeline Road north of David Avenue, according to a release from Metro Vancouver.

“Residents can expect loud construction noise and vibration as foundation supports for the water main and valve chamber are installed,” according to a release from Metro.

The chambers are intended to help control water flow through major mains and to make it easier to perform maintenance work.

The job is set to involve site preparation and excavation over the next two months with main installation getting underway in early 2027.

The Robson-to-Guildford section was initially set to wrap up this fall but is now slated to be complete in early 2028 due to third parties requiring extra time to relocate utilities.

“This affects our original schedule for completing the remaining work, and the project is expected to be complete in early 2028,” Metro Vancouver stated. “We recognize this water main construction has been disruptive to the community, and we greatly appreciate your patience as we work to complete this critical major infrastructure.”

The 1.4-kilometre Robson-to-Guildford section is slated to eventually become part of the 12-kilometre Coquitlam Water Main project.

The project is “vitally important” for getting drinking water to Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and the eastern and southern areas of the region, explained Metro Vancouver media relations officer Niki Reitmayer.

Metro Vancouver awarded an approximately $97.2 million contract to Michels Canada Company for the project.