Demolition of Heatley Avenue overpass starts May 28, with extended work hours

May 25, 2022

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority advises that the demolition of the Heatley Avenue overpass will start on the May 28-29 weekend, with extended work hours. Work will then continue on two additional weekends in June and July 2022, also with extended work hours. 

The port authority has been leading the Centerm Expansion Project and South Shore Access Project since the summer of 2019, to enhance trade capacity and efficiency, and support local and national supply chains. 

The demolition of the Heatley Avenue overpass is one of the final major components to be completed within the broader project.  

What to expect  

The overpass begins at the north end of Heatley Avenue, then crosses CN/CP rail tracks and ends at Centennial Road. The segment targeted for demolition is three bridge-like sections of the structure that span the rail tracks. 

Demolition activities will occur over three weekends, with around-the-clock work between 4:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 11:59 p.m. on Sundays. Activities will generate noise and localized lighting impacts. 

The rail lines below the overpass will be closed during construction activity. Rail service will be restored by early Monday mornings. 

Why is overnight work required? 

The rail lines below the overpass are critical to Canada’s supply chains. Scheduling has been designed to meet railways’ operational requirements. 

Mitigation measures 

The contractor will implement a suite of mitigation measures to minimize noise and light impacts for the community. 

Noise mitigation measures include:  

  • Positioning stationary equipment and limiting unnecessary idling of vehicles and equipment whenever possible to minimize noise disturbance to the community  
  • Confirming machinery covers and equipment panels are well fitted and remain in place to muffle noise, and bolts and fasteners are tight to avoid rattling  
  • Properly maintaining all equipment to limit noise, and fitting equipment with exhaust and muffler systems as needed  
  • Prohibiting the use of engine brakes in and around residential areas  

 Light mitigation measures include:  

  • Using lighting only as required to ensure the safety of crews during any nighttime work  
  • Lighting will be localized and directed onto the contractor’s work area to minimize potential light impacts 

Dates 

Demolition will start on the May 28-29 weekend. Work will then continue on two additional weekends in June and July 2022, with dates subject to approval by the railways. Should additional work be required, we will advise the community. 

Supporting the community
To recognize and thank the local community for their patience throughout works on the Centerm Expansion Project and South Shore Access Project, including the demotion of the Heatley Avenue overpass, the port authority and Centerm Container Terminals operator, DP World, have donated $2 million to community initiatives in East Vancouver. This includes the $500,000 Centerm Community Fund, which, from 2019 to 2021, has supported 41 organizations that work to enrich the lives of the people who live and work in the area and support conservation efforts in their community. 

We appreciate the local community’s patience and understanding as we complete this important project as safely and efficiently as possible. If you have questions or concerns, contact the project team at [email protected] or by phone at 604.665.9563. For more information about these projects, visit the Centerm Expansion project webpage.