Mamquam Road project temporarily stalled due to unsuccessful drilling attempts

Work has temporarily stalled on the Highway 99 section of the Mamquam Road sewer upgrade project due to unsuccessful drilling attempts under Highway 99. An unfortunate situation has arisen in this complex part of the project, and now requires open-trench excavation across the highway in order to install the new sewer pipe. The project team is working hard to pivot quickly and keep delays to a minimum.

“Despite best efforts in planning and execution, we have encountered a blockage while drilling under Highway 99 that requires us to move to a contingency plan,” explains District of Squamish Capital Projects Manager Jesse Morwood. “We are working with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to seek their input and support on next steps for the work around Highway 99, based on the traffic and project management plans we are putting forward to them.”

The District recognizes the public impact this project is having on residents – especially those whose residences front the project. This will result in a delayed finish to the project; the extent of which will be better understood once plans have been confirmed with the Ministry. Impacts will also be experienced on Highway 99 as well as the eastern aspect of the intersection leading from Garibaldi Highlands.

“We empathize with residents who have been impacted by the traffic closures and noise, and we apologize for the extended disruption,” says District of Squamish Chief Administrative Officer Linda Glenday. “This is a highly technical project that has presented many challenges due to the complexity of activities and the depth of the sewer pipe, and this is certainly not the scenario we had hoped for. There are always risks associated with projects such as this, and unfortunately some of those risks have been realized. We appreciate the continued patience of the neighbourhood residents most impacted by this project, and staff and contractors are working diligently to finish the project as quickly as possible.”

The Mamquam Road project is budgeted at $2.3M and is part of a $43.4M capital plan being actioned in 2021. The financial impact of this current issue will be fully understood as plans are confirmed.

Mamquam Sewer Project at a glance:

• Identified as a priority in the District’s Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, the work involves the installation of 300 metres of sewer upgrades.
• Upgrades will result in a new sewer line to accommodate new growth, new sidewalk and bike paths, and road repaving, each of which are intended to make significant improvements to the area.
• Phase 1 work along Mamquam Road began in June 2021.
• The project area spans from Willow Crescent (west) to Glenalder Place on the east side of Highway 99.
• Mamquam Road west is temporarily closed at Highway 99 due to the construction impacts.
• Traffic pattern changes and detours are temporarily in effect affecting the eastern side of the intersection.

A project update including timeline and traffic impacts will be shared with the community once details are finalized.

For more information please visit squamish.ca/mamquam.

October 6, 2021