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A collapsed culvert has forced a road closure on Burnaby Mountain for several weeks

A collapsed culvert that is threatening a fish-bearing stream has caused an emergency road closure on Burnaby Mountain that has snarled traffic for days.
sfu map
This map shows the area that has been closed off on Burnaby Mountain and where traffic is being re-routed to on the north side of the campus. SFU MAP

A collapsed culvert that is threatening a fish-bearing stream has caused an emergency road closure on Burnaby Mountain that has snarled traffic for days.

A letter from Mark Lalonde, SFU’s chief safety officer, detailed the situation that has closed University Drive East – one of only two main roads leading to the university and the UniverCity housing development.

“As you may know, due to an urgent repair required of a collapsed culvert, University Drive East is closed to vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian traffic between Gaglardi Way and Nelson Way for two to three weeks effective Wednesday, July 10th, 2019,” said Lalonde. “SFU acknowledges that is an inconvenience for the SFU Burnaby Campus and UniverCity community residents and they are working to minimize traffic congestion as much as possible. Thank you for your patience during this time.
“This emergency repair is required by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as it leads to a fish-bearing stream. The University Drive East road is required to be fully closed during this time for safety reasons related to road stability.”

Access route changes
- To ease traffic congestion, starting at 3:00 pm July 11th, the westbound traffic lane of South Campus Road will open at the end of the construction work day to allow vehicles from the east side of campus to exit via South Campus Road, Monday to Friday, from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. This will remain in place until two way traffic can be reopened along University Drive East. Please note that the South Campus Road will remain closed on weekends.
- To further facilitate traffic flow, the City of Burnaby is re-programming the Gaglardi/Burnaby Mountain Parkway traffic light to be a three way intersection during this time.
- Access to Nelson Way (Discovery 1 and 2 buildings) is available from the north on University Drive East. 
- SFU has also added more traffic control personnel to the main campus intersections during peak commuting periods.

Transit
TransLink and the Burnaby Campus shuttle are aware of the road closures; pick up and drop off locations are not impacted.

Vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian safety
Safety is always a priority. We ask all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be extra aware of their surroundings during this time. Please make eye contact with vehicles before passing in front of them, drive slowly and carefully around traffic control staff and be courteous to other drivers.