Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel

 

 

Second Narrows Water Supply TunnelSecond Narrows Water Supply Tunnel<div class="ExternalClassF1001AB2A84642FD84F998C4F1C6804C"><p>Metro Vancouver is constructing a new water supply tunnel deep under Burrard Inlet, east of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge between the District of North Vancouver and the City of Burnaby. This project is one of five new regional water supply tunnels that are being designed to meet current seismic standards to ensure the reliable delivery of drinking water in the region in the event of a major earthquake. When complete, the tunnel will also increase the capacity of the existing system to meet the long-term needs of the growing population. </p><p>The new water supply tunnel will be excavated deep underground using a tunnel boring machine. The tunnel boring machine will launch from a vertical entry shaft on the North Vancouver side and progress south under Burrard Inlet to the vertical exit shaft on the Burnaby side. Once the tunnel is excavated, three steel water mains will be installed inside the new tunnel and connected to the new valve chambers at each shaft site, and into the region’s drinking water system. </p><p><span style="line-height:107%;font-family:calibri, sans-serif;font-size:17.3333px;">Learn more about the Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel in our <a href="/services/water/projects-initiatives/construction-projects/ConstructionProjectPublications/Second%20Narrows%20Water%20Supply%20Tunnel%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf">fact sheet</a>.</span><br></p> </div>Under Burrard Inlet, east of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge between the District of North Vancouver and the City of Burnaby

Project Update


  • Update on Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel - posted on December 07, 2022

    Key Milestones and Construction Activities

    To date, we have completed construction of the north and south tunnel shafts, and the 1.1-kilometre tunnel that connects them. Within the tunnel, we have installed three new, large-diameter, water mains.

    At the south work area, in Second Narrows Park, the following activities are ongoing or upcoming:

    • Installing water mains in the vertical tunnel shaft that will connect to the water mains installed inside the tunnel
    • Backfilling the tunnel with concrete to seal the water mains within the tunnel
    • Completing construction of the south valve chamber and restoring the western portion of the site
    • Excavating a 350-metre-long trench between the new valve chamber and North Ingleton Avenue to install three new water mains (please see the work location on reverse)


    Holiday Construction Shutdown

    With the holiday season upon us, crews are planning to shut down major construction activities from Saturday, December 24, 2022 to Monday, January 2, 2023. To ensure site safety during the break, crews will secure construction equipment and machinery, lock fences and gates around the work site, and carry out regular safety checks.

    Crews will return to regular work hours on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Typical hours of work are Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm, and Saturdays between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm. Crews may occasionally be required to work longer hours to complete work efficiently and ahead of schedule. All work will comply with City of Burnaby bylaws and granted bylaw variances.

    Read the full update here.


 

 

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Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel – TBM Breakthrough 2021Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel – TBM Breakthrough 2021601347670
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  • What Will Happen During Construction?

    Construction of this project is underway, with completion expected in 2025. While the duration of this project spans over six years, work at the south shaft site in Second Narrows Park will take place intermittently with some breaks between different construction activities.

    Construction activities include:

    • Shaft excavation and shoring
    • Valve chamber and pipe installation
    • Welding, backfilling and restoration
  • How Will This Project Impact Me?

    Reducing Impacts to the Park

    The new valve chamber in Second Narrows Park has been designed to fit into the park as seamlessly as possible; this includes the valve chamber being set into the existing landscape and the installation of a sloping green roof.

    Tree removal will be required to accommodate construction. The majority of vegetation removal required for this project consists of shrubs and invasive species such as blackberry bushes and knotweed.

    Once construction is complete, this site will undergo a full restoration. This includes the implementation of a re planting program and landscaping of any disturbed areas with native plants and species.

    Trans Canada Trail

    The Trans Canada Trail will remain open for the duration of construction.

    The existing access road that is used for utility maintenance, sometimes known as the Upper Trail, will be closed for the entire construction period. This road was initially built to conduct maintenance on the existing water and sewer infrastructure that is located in and around the park.

    Metro Vancouver recognizes the current recreational use of the access road and will ensure that it is restored to similar or better condition after construction.

    Traffic Impacts and Noise

    The entry shaft will be located in an industrial area in the District of North Vancouver; this is where the majority of construction, including the removal of excavated ground material, will take place. In an effort to reduce truck traffic, ground material excavated from this entry shaft will be transported to a disposal facility by barge.

    In meeting with local residents, Metro Vancouver heard that noise was a concern and will ensure that noise mitigation measures will be in place during construction. In addition, noise studies have been completed to ensure that all work will comply with City of Burnaby’s bylaws or granted bylaw variances.

  • Hours of Work

    Work will take place:

    • Monday to Friday: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
    • Saturdays: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

    Crews may occasionally be required to work outside of bylaw hours; in these cases, advanced notice will be provided to residents. All work will comply with City of Burnaby’s bylaws or granted bylaw variances.

  • Working with the Community

    Metro Vancouver is committed to minimizing the impacts of construction on the community. Local residents and businesses will receive ongoing notifications through newsletters, web updates, email and on-site signage.

    A community liaison has been assigned to this project and is available to address any public questions or concerns.

  • Engagement

    At Metro Vancouver we make decisions that impact the 2.7 million residents that live in our region. Metro Vancouver engages municipalities, businesses and the general public whenever we are working on a new program, policy, or project across our service areas. Learn more about our engagement principles.

    January 2019 Open House

    Metro Vancouver held an open house for the Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel Project in January 2019.

    Below is a high-level summary of what we heard:

    • Interest in construction schedule and restoration plan
    • Maintain lane access for residents
    • Minimize construction impacts on residents and park users
    • Minimize construction impacts on the ecology of the park
    • Questions about slope stability, noise and vibration

    Where possible we will incorporate your input into our project plans and we will report back on how we are using that input as this project progresses.

    Supporting Materials

    Open House Display Panels

    Open House Feedback Highlights

 

 

2019 – 2025

Contact Us


A community liaison is available to provide updates and respond to questions.

Community Liaison:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 604-432-6200
Email: Information Centre

After Hours Emergencies:
604-451-6610

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