There’s bad news for drivers and business owners who have been enduring months of disruptions along 24 Avenue between 152 and 148 Streets during the installation of a replacement watermain.
Work on the project, which also stretches along 152 Street between 20 and 24 Avenues, will likely continue for another two to four weeks – following the discovery that the newly installed infrastructure was leaking – according to Scott Neuman, manager of construction for Surrey’s engineering department.
“We suspect that it is a problem with the pipe material, as opposed to a workmanship or installation error,” he said, adding that the contractor, Hyland Excavating, has already located the leaks and completed multiple repairs to the pipe.
The original leaking pipe material has been sent for testing “to confirm whether or not it was manufactured as per specifications,” Neuman said.
The good news, from a city perspective, is that the contractor is bearing the costs of repairs, and staff are working with Hyland to complete trench paving to a more permanent condition and secure a “lengthy” warranty, Neuman said.
At the same time, Neuman confirmed the current work means motorists haven’t seen the last of construction signs, equipment and flag people – which have stretched as far east along the busy thoroughfare as King George Boulevard.
And, there’s another factor that could lead to frustration for drivers in the area, he acknowledged.
The city had already planned to resurface the affected section of 24 Avenue – following the watermain installation – as part of its summer paving program.
“We try to do that kind of work during the summer months when the weather is at its hottest and driest,” Neuman said.
Neuman said timing of the paving contractor’s work may depend on whether there is a quick answer on what caused the leak, and if temporary post-installation paving work can be completed sooner.
“We’re looking at having final testing within the next two to four weeks, but if that can be done sooner, we may be able to accelerate the paving work.”
Work on that stretch of 24 Avenue started in early December, while the actual installation of the watermain took 2½ months.
The leak was discovered by Hyland when the watermain was first filled with water for standard pressure testing, he said.