The District of Squamish is set to undertake work to upgrade dikes in Brackendale and North Yards — work that officials admit will affect the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The work, to begin on Jan. 2, will result in two-month closures of sections of the dikes, DOS officials said in a statement issued on Friday (Dec. 21). Specifications associated with a $1.2 million grant from Emergency Management B.C. is dictating the timing of the work, officials said.
“We thank the community in advance for their support of this critical work,” Mayor Rob Kirkham said. “This project will result in improved safety to our community in the event of a major flood event, and it is work that is well worth the short-term impact this will have.”
Approximately 32,000 cubic metres of gravel are required to raise and widen the dikes on the land side, officials said. A “heavy volume” of truck traffic is expected at both work sites, with work taking place up to six days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Brackendale, the work will stretch for one kilometre north from Fisherman's Park, with direct truck access via Judd Road and Brennan Road. Access to Fisherman's Park at Brennan Road will be closed for the duration of the work; however, dike and trail access to Judd Beach will remain open, with entry points off of Maple Crescent and Eagle Run Drive, officials said.
In North Yards, truck access will be via Centennial Way, Government Road and a gravel road by Whittaker Slough, just past the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Trucks will return via the Spit Road, officials said. The Spit Road and spit access will remain open, but the dike road will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, for the duration.
“Residents in the immediate vicinity, as well as dike users in general, need to be aware of the work and exercise extreme caution during the work period,” said Matt Simmons, DOS capital projects manager. “Heavy truck traffic will present challenges for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in the area. We ask everyone to please be extra vigilant and patient during this time while this important work gets completed within this narrow window of time.”
Project updates will be posted weekly in The Chief and on the DOS website, www.squamish.ca. Those with questions may direct them to Simmons at (604) 815-5000 or msimmons@squamish.ca
