You’ll have take the long way home if you’re bound for eastern Maple Ridge this weekend.
Starting this Friday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m., 128th Avenue will be closed completely, for 36 hours, until Sunday, Oct. 5 at 7 a.m., between 216th and 224th streets.
That’s to allow crews full access to the 90-centimetre wide water main being built by Metro Vancouver. The pipeline will run from the new Barnston Maple Ridge pump station being built at Lougheed Highway and 200th Street, along 128th Avenue, as far east as the Maple Ridge reservoir on 248th Street.
The last three-kilometre section to be completed is from the pump station to 224th Street. Previous sections farther east have already been installed.
The line is needed to serve the growing suburbs of the city and follows the 128th Avenue alignment.
Once the line is in, the City of Maple Ridge will start twinning 128th Avenue from 210th to 224th streets, so commuters have an easier time.
Metro Vancouver engineer Goran Oljaca said the line will complement the main water line that runs beneath Dewdney Trunk Road. That pipeline is about 60 years old.
The new pipeline is made out of carbon steel, lined with expoxy and wrapped in a plastic coating. It is designed to last a century and withstand a major earthquake.
During the closure, local traffic and access to homes and businesses in the area will be maintained. Pay attention to all construction and detour signage and follow the direction of traffic control personnel, Metro Vancouver says on its website. Temporary one-day closures may take place at the intersections of Laity Street and Blackstock Street at 128 Avenue.