Vehicles trying to access the Quayside neighbourhood won’t be able to use Begbie Street for the next two months.
Bosa Development has notified neighbours about construction that’s set to begin for its Pier West project at 660 Quayside Dr. As part of its “last piece of construction work on the road,” Bosa requires part of Quayside Drive to be closed from Monday, May 27 until Monday, July 22.
According to Bosa Development, the 600 and 700 blocks of Quayside Drive – the area from Begbie Street to the west end of Fraser River Discovery Centre – will be closed during this time.
“There will no vehicular access to the riverfront area via Begbie Street during this time,” said the notice. Pedestrian, bicycle and wheelchair access will be maintained.”
When vehicular access is closed at Begbie Street, passenger vehicles can access the Quayside neighbourhood via the McInnes overpass (off Carnarvon Street) and the Third Avenue overpass (off Stewardson Way).
Large trucks are being asked to use only the Third Avenue overpass to enter and exit the riverfront area.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete this significant component of our final building and road works,” said Bosa Development’s construction notice.
Mike Anderson, the city’s manager of transportation, said the two-month closure of the Begbie Street connection to the Quayside neighbourhood is required to enable construction of the development’s parkade access ramp near the Fraser River Discovery Centre, as well as underground utilities on Quayside Drive.
“This closure was first communicated to the community several years ago and has been shortened significantly in duration since initial planning,” he said.
Anderson said larger trucks serving the Quayside area will be directed to take the Third Avenue overpass, while general traffic can use either the Third Avenue overpass or the McInnes overpass. Foot traffic can continue to use Begbie Street.
“This road closure has been coordinated with other city projects to mitigate conflicts, and the city’s emergency responders are aware of it,” he said. “The city will be monitoring conditions throughout this period, but previous closures of Quayside Drive for utility work and major concrete pours have been successful.”
Anderson said the city appreciates the community’s patience and understanding with this disruption, as this major development project nears completion.
Pier West will include 43- and 53-storey residential towers – the two tallest buildings in New Westminster – and a lowrise commercial building. The project also includes: a 40-space childcare facility in the commercial building; two acres of park and public open space, including an extension to Westminster Pier Park; a public plaza and esplanade space; 80 public parking stalls; 932 parking stalls for the development; and new pedestrian connections between Westminster Pier Park, Fraser River Discovery Centre and River Market.
