Sewer upgrades and streetscape improvements start in Marpole

Good Things are in the Works this fall

This fall, the City of Vancouver will break ground on Granville Street Sewer Upgrades, a major infrastructure upgrade project in the 2023-26 Capital Plan.

Valued at $20 million, this project involves replacing aging combined sewer infrastructure in the Marpole neighbourhood with new separated pipes. When complete, the new sewer system will support population growth, accommodate heavier rainfall expected with climate change, and advance the City’s regulatory requirement to eliminate Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) by 2050.

Construction starts this week and is anticipated to be complete by spring 2026. Work will take place along Granville Street, between West 59th Avenue and West 64th Avenue, and will also extend to sections of West 59th Avenue and West 62nd Avenue.

Uplifting Marpole

Marpole will also see investment in streetscape improvements this fall, through the City’s Uplifting Communities Fund. This includes sidewalk rehabilitation, electrical upgrades, new tree planting and litter bin upgrades.

The Uplifting Communities Fund, approved by Council in July 2024, was designed to supplement existing capital projects and uplift various neighbourhoods by enhancing public spaces, creating a more vibrant community experience and supporting local businesses.

“Marpole is one of Vancouver’s most historically rich and culturally diverse neighbourhoods” says Mayor Ken Sim. “Our investment in infrastructure and public spaces reflects our commitment to supporting the livability and vibrancy of this bustling neighbourhood, today and in the future. By upgrading aging sewer infrastructure, through projects like this one, we’re making a critical investment in our city’s long-term sustainability and resilience.”

Expect delays on Granville Street

Significant traffic impacts are anticipated while work takes place on Granville Street, between West 59th Avenue and West 64th Avenue. To minimize impacts during the week, work will take place mostly overnight on weekdays, between 8 pm and 5 am. During overnight work hours, traffic lanes will be reduced to one lane each direction between West 59th Avenue and West 64th Avenue.

Upcoming weekend work

To allow for faster construction at key intersections, crews will occasionally complete weekend work, where construction will take place continuously around the clock, starting at 8 pm on Friday evening until 5 am on Monday morning.

The first period of weekend work starts this Friday, September 26, at the intersection of Granville Street and West 64th Avenue. Lane closures will be in place until Monday, September 29. Traffic control personnel and VPD will be on site to manage traffic and support pedestrians.

The City will share notification of weekend work through traffic advisories on X, Threads, and at vancouver.ca/granville-sewer-upgrades.

Construction on Granville Street is anticipated to be complete by early 2026. Following this, we’ll complete daytime construction on sections of West 59th Avenue and West 62nd Avenue until spring 2026.

Traffic tips

If you are travelling in and around the area, plan ahead, expect delays and take note of the following tips:

• Check your map app before you travel and allow for extra time for your journey.
• Follow all detours and abide by parking restrictions signs.
• Avoid short-cutting through surrounding residential streets as they are not designed for high volumes of traffic.
• Follow #VanTraffic or use our traffic cameras to check traffic conditions along your commute.
• Visit translink.ca/alerts for changes or disruptions to your bus service.
• Stay ahead of road closures at vancouver.ca/road-closures.