Traffic near H.D. Stafford Middle School and surrounding residences will continue to be disrupted by construction until Oct. 16.
Access along Grade Crescent, from H.D. Stafford to 203 Street, was closed last week for crews from J. Cote & Son Excavating to replace the Pleasantdale Creek culvert that runs under the road.
It was an "urgent project that needed to move forward as quickly as possible," Rick Bomhof, City director of engineering, parks and environment, told council on Sept. 14.
An inspection found the culvert to be in far worse condition than previously thought — so bad, it may not have survived the winter.
Video footage shows accelerated corrosion and deformation of the pipe. Worst-case scenario, it could fail and block the entire creek flow, causing a dam-effect on the water, Bomhof explained.
There is also a fisheries window deadline of Sept. 30, meaning the replacement needed to happen immediately, he said.
Originally, the construction was planned for next summer.
The existing steel pipe is now being replaced by a larger concrete pipe at a cost of $438,000, which was the lower of two bids submitted.
The majority of funds will come from the existing 2015 capital improvement plan, with $78,000 temporarily covered by enterprise funds until council approves a financial plan amendment.
In the meantime, traffic control personnel are on site to help direct vehicles and people in the area.
A traffic detour is set up that takes cars down 205 and 205A Streets, across 49A Avenue and up 203 Street to connect back to Grade Crescent. The speed limit is 30 km/h through the entire detour route.
An alternate bus route in also in place from 208 Street, down 48 Avenue, up 205A Street and back down 49A Avenue to connect at 203 Street.
The City held an info session for nearby residents on Sept. 10 at Stafford, and anyone requiring more information is asked to email engineering@langleycity.ca or visit the city website www.cityoflangley.ca.