Major infrastructure project along Lansdowne Street begins this month

A major upgrade project to the city centre sewer main is set to begin this month and will result in a “significant” impact on commuters in and around the downtown core.

On Wednesday, the city said work along Lansdowne Street will begin as a part of the City Centre Sanitary Upgrades Project to install a trunk sewer main from 1st Avenue to 7th Avenue.

The work will cause phased closures along Lansdowne until November as crews move eastward throughout the project.

According to a news release, the existing network has reached capacity in many areas and will not support expected density and the installation of the trunk main will allow enhanced service to the broader downtown area.

“The sanitary pipe is the project’s primary driver, but the end result will also include a freshly paved road, pavement markings, trees, irrigation, and concrete sidewalk repairs,” says Matt Kachel, the City’s Capital Projects Manager in the release.

“It will look tidy and refreshed when we’re done, so we’re asking for co-operation and patience from residents and motorists as we work our way through this critical project.”

The first major detour will happen from April until June and will see Lansdowne Street closed from 1st Ave to 2nd Ave.

A portion of Lorne Street from Uji Way to Lansdowne Street in the area of the CP Rail Bridge will also be closed, the city says.

A detour will see Seymour Street from Victoria Street West to 2nd Avenue become a two-way street.

Additionally, 1st Avenue will remain open to local traffic only between Victoria Street and Seymour Street.

All businesses on Lansdowne will remain open during construction and pedestrian access will be maintained but may be limited to one side of the street only, the city says.

For transit impacts and updated route information, visit BCTransit.com/Kamloops.