In the coming weeks, on-land bridge foundation construction will begin in New Westminster as part of the Pattullo Bridge replacement project.
Work will begin with the bridge foundation located north of Columbia Street, then move to the foundation south of Columbia Street.
To complete this work, Fraser Crossing Partners says it will use a drilled-shaft methodology - instead of pile driving - to install the piles required for the foundations, said a news release.
“With the drilled-shaft methodology, an auger drill will be used to drill each hole to the required depth,” the release said.
“Each hole will then be fitted with reinforced steel and filled with concrete. This methodology will reduce noise and vibration for nearby residents.”
Fraser Crossing Partners says this will cause some traffic disruptions.
When this work is underway, some temporary lane closures and lane shifts may be required on Columbia Street and McBride Boulevard.
“All traffic pattern changes will be well-signed and traffic control personnel will be onsite,” said the release.
The work is starting in November and continuing into 2022, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ancillary work onsite will occur at night and on Sundays.
“Nearby residents may hear some noise from equipment and the auger drill while this work is underway,” said the release.
“All general construction activities will occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
The project recently announced that pile driving would now take place on Sundays as part of in-river work.
“In-river bridge foundation work on the main tower for the new crossing is underway and will be ongoing for the remainder of the year,” said a Nov. 1 update on the project. “Construction on the foundation close to the New Westminster shoreline is anticipated to start later this year and continue into 2022.”
According to the project team, bridge foundation work involves intermittent pile driving and placement of reinforced steel and concrete. Once the foundations are complete, crews will begin formwork and concrete pours for the tower.
