Major construction project wraps on Vancouver’s Oak Street

A massive project to place nearly a kilometre of new wide-gauge sewer pipe has concluded after months of blocking a Vancouver thoroughfare.

As of Monday, things are moving again on the section of Oak Street leading to the much-used Oak Street Bridge.

The replacing of aging combined sewer/storm drains with separate rainwater and sewage systems is part of the Cambie Corridor Densification Plan.

The City of Vancouver says the sewer will be able to handle more intense rainfall, and the project will improve water quality in the Fraser River by taking sewage out of the mix.

Valued at $28.5 million, the Oak Street Sewer Upgrades were a three-phase construction project that launched in October 2023.

The first phase of the West Pender Street water pipe replacement — costing $58 million — between Burrard and Bute streets has also been completed.

In a statement, the City of Vancouver tells The Leader Spirit it’s happy that traffic flow has been restored.

“We are pleased to see these projects reach substantial completion, allowing normal traffic flow to resume on these streets, especially on Oak Street, which is an important arterial for commuters and those travelling to and from the airport,” said Steve Brown, the director of engineering projects and development services.

Commuters will see crews return to Oak Street in the spring for paving and road maintenance, fixing areas damaged through the course of the build.