Construction starting soon on FortisBC Gas Line Upgrades

SURREY, BC, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Work resumes upgrading FortisBC's natural gas line in February – with construction coming to east Burnaby and Coquitlam. FortisBC is upgrading 20 kilometres of gas line between Vancouver to Coquitlam to ensure more than 210,000 Lower Mainland homes and businesses continue to receive the natural gas they count on every day.

Work started last year in Vancouver and Burnaby, and in 2019 the project will move east with construction on Lougheed Highway and Broadway in Burnaby and on Como Lake Avenue in Coquitlam.

"We understand it can be disruptive to have a major construction project in your neighbourhood, which is why our goal is to complete work safely and as quickly as possible," said Doug Stout, vice-president, market development and external relations, FortisBC. "We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding, both so far and as we complete construction this year."

The gas line upgrade between Vancouver to Coquitlam is scheduled to be completed in 2019, with 12 kilometres of new gas line being built and roads along the project route facing disruptions during construction. The community can stay informed, including on traffic, through the project website TalkingEnergy.ca.

FortisBC will also continue engaging directly with the community throughout the year, including public information sessions on February 5 in Coquitlam and February 12 in Burnaby.

"We were on the ground engaging directly with residents and businesses to minimize disruptions to local neighbourhoods and traffic last year," said Stout. "And we look forward to being out in the community providing that same support again in 2019."

The gas line being upgraded is nearing the end of its operational life after serving the community for 60 years.

A total of 8 kilometres of new line was built in Vancouver and Burnaby in 2018, including on East 1st Avenue which re-opened on schedule at the end of August. Natural gas facilities on Woodland Drive in Vancouver and Mariner Way in Coquitlam are also being upgraded as part of the project.

About FortisBC
FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, propane and thermal energy solutions. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs more than 1,800 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,008,400 customers in 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates approximately 49,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.

Backgrounder

Quick facts, upgrading our Vancouver to Coquitlam gas line

20 kilometres new natural gas line will be built in 2018 and 2019 as part of the FortisBC Gas Line Upgrades, including:

In 2018: 8 kilometres of new line was built in Vancouver and Burnaby, mostly along East 1st Avenue and Lougheed Highway.
In 2019: 12 kilometres of new line will be built in Burnaby and Coquitlam, mostly along Broadway and Como Lake Avenue.

Mid-February periodic lane closures at various locations required to locate underground utilities such as water lines in preparation for our gas line upgrades

Early-March full construction scheduled to start and lane closures in effect

1958 year the gas line being replaced was built

30-inch gas line will replace the existing 20-inch line, building capacity to support Lower Mainland's growing communities

210,000 FortisBC customers served by this natural gas line

Road disruptions

The table below is based on our current construction schedule. For the latest updates and to stay up to date on schedule changes visit TalkingEnergy.ca or search #FortisBCUpgrades.

Tips for planning ahead and avoiding unnecessary delays

Whatever your mode of transportation, plan ahead by checking FortisBC's TalkingEnergy.ca website or local traffic media before you go for the latest information on upcoming road closures. In general, driving times will be longer than usual so consider the alternatives:

• Know your route before you commute: The latest traffic updates will available at TalkingEnergy.ca
• Choose public transit: Avoid congestion by leaving vehicles parked at home
• Adjust your routine: Travel outside of rush hour, if you can
• Change your mode: Take more trips by walking or biking, whenever possible
• Share a ride: If driving is a must, consider carpooling with someone who's going your way
• Take your time: No matter how you go, arriving at your destination will take longer

SOURCE FortisBC

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