Expect some traffic disruption this summer in North Campbell River as a new water service for residents and businesses along the North Island Highway is installed.
The upgrade project will replace the main water line along Highway 19 between Highway 28 and Orange Point Road to provide a new water service to Vancouver Island Power’s Cogeneration Facility (Cogen) and address water system pressure issues in the Holly Hills area.
The project will also install a new pressure reducing valve (PRV) station at the top of Woodburn Road and decommission an existing PRV in the North Campbell River area.
“The end result will see a more effectively balanced water distribution network in North Campbell River,” says Ron Neufeld, the City’s general manager of operations.
Construction is expected to begin in July and be completed by the end of the year.
The project is estimated to cost $2.5 million, funded by the city and Capital Power.
“The City’s $600,000 contribution comes from the water capital budget, and Capital Power is responsible for the balance of all costs,” Neufeld adds.
“The water services work being completed is necessary for the Cogen plant to operate as a standalone facility and for the long-term viability of our operations in the community,” says Greg Manzulenko, Capital Power Plant Manager, Island Generation. “We are working with the City of Campbell River to minimize disruptions to the public as much as possible, and we appreciate people’s patience while this work is completed.”
The Cogen plant has to disconnect itself from Catalyst's Elk Falls Pulp Mill which is currently being dismantled. Cogen will no longer have access to Elk Falls' water system nor its effluent treatment plant. Cogen will be connecting to the city's Norm Wood treatment plant at their own expense in the near future.
Design work for the water system was completed by McElhanney Consulting Services, based in Campbell River, and the construction work has been awarded to Wacor Holdings Ltd., also of Campbell River. Project work is expected to take place from Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Minor disruption of water service will occur when the service connection for each property connects to the new water main. “Timing for switching the water service to the new line will be scheduled well in advance with individual property owners,” Neufeld says.
“Like other watermain upgrade projects, people should also anticipate minor traffic delays in the area at during this project,” Neufeld adds.
The city aims to minimize traffic delays through traffic guidelines for the upgrade project in the four-lane divided highway section from the bridge north to Coulter Road. In this area, only a single lane can be closed at any point. For the two-lane section from Coulter Road north to Orange Point Road, the contractor will be permitted to close a single lane with alternating traffic in both directions.
Appropriate traffic control and traffic management during construction will be the responsibility of the contractor. Access to all properties is to be maintained at all times.
For more information visit www.campbellriver.ca or contact the city’s Capital Works Department by phone at 250-286-5700 or via email to: nih.watermain@campbellriver.ca.