Frequently Asked Questions

Coquitlam is one of the fastest-growing cities in Metro Vancouver. To meet our infrastructure needs, the City builds, maintains, rehabilitates, upgrades and improves roads and underground utilities such as water and sewer. 

Each year, we plan, design and construct projects to support this growth by:

• Making improvements for driving, walking, transiting and biking, improving safety for all road users and reducing the risk of accidents;
• Enhancing overall connectivity within the city; and
• Ensuring reliable sewer and water services and managing stormwater.

Additionally, ongoing private development and third-party utility upgrades are needed to support the city's continued growth. There are a number of other projects underway throughout the City from other parties, such as:

• External Third Party Utilities: Each year, many large-scale third-party utility projects take place across the City (projects led by Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro, FortisBC, etc.). These projects involve infrastructure owned by the external third party, and they manage and pay for the project work. 
• Private Development: When a property redevelops, the developer is responsible to complete a number of off-site improvements such as underground utility upgrades, road improvements and new sidewalks. This work is paid for by the developer.

Many factors affect the speed of construction, including type of work, weather conditions, availability of materials and qualified contractors to complete work to City standards and managing safety constraints. Due to the scope of the project and type of work, some projects need be completed in phases, or temporarily paused while other infrastructure work is completed.

Construction is essential for maintaining safe and efficient roads, repairing wear and tear, upgrading outdated infrastructure and increasing capacity of infrastructure to support and accommodate the needs of our growing community. Delaying road repairs or utility replacements can lead to dangerous conditions and costlier repairs in the future. 

There are many factors that can cause delays to construction projects such as weather delays, unknown or unforeseen conditions, utility conflicts, third party utility relocations and supply issues. While timelines are set with the best information available at the start of the project, often adjustments to the schedule are required to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.

The City considers the impacts of nighttime work and associated noise impacts to residents living in the surrounding area. Work on major routes is typically completed in the evening when traffic volumes are lower. Nighttime work is also considered when there is a benefit to overall public safety. The City will notify nearby residents if nighttime work will be taking place in their area as there is a requirement to do so. 

Activities on a construction site are often related to logistics, safety, or waiting on something critical to proceed. For City projects, the City retains capable, qualified contractors on capital construction projects. Contractors for the City are paid based on accepted industry pricing, as structured in the contract, regardless of how many staff it takes to complete the work. 

There are many considerations when prioritizing projects. 

For improvement projects, planning may involve the coordination of different types of infrastructure, or timing considerations for work that supports growth and operational improvements. 

Projects for repair and replacement consider the condition and age of assets. As a result, roads or critical routes in poor condition often get priority. 

Timing is also coordinated with other projects like water, sewer and drainage replacements to avoid digging up the same road twice whenever possible.

Staff will investigate the age and condition of the underground infrastructure before repaving a street. If any underground utility mains need to be upgraded, this work will be done in advance of repaving the road. While it may seem uncoordinated, these projects are typically planned to ensure both the road and the underground infrastructure are updated properly and do not require disruption in the near future.

Most road and sidewalk construction take place during warmer, drier months when site and weather conditions are the best for paving and concrete work.

Many of our major arterial routes such as Como Lake Avenue contain a lot underground utilities – water, sanitary, drainage, Fortis BC, and BC Hydro. While it can feel repetitive, this work is a part of keeping essential systems working properly. 

Some roads may see more frequent work because of:

• The street location and how much traffic it sees
• Pavement condition and age
• Age and condition of underground utilities
• Streets that serve buses and trucks
• Other construction or development projects in the area
• Infrastructure owned and maintained by third party utilities (such as Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro or FortisBC)

The City also repairs potholes, curbs, and other surface issues that arise, across the city, throughout the year to keep streets drivable between more involved reconstruction projects.

The City is aware that construction creates traffic impacts for residents, and is committed to mitigating these impacts. Some of the actions taken may include:

• Where possible, we try to limit construction on major streets to off-peak hours when traffic volumes are lower to ease congestion and traffic back up. 
• Overnight construction may be possible at some locations, such as major arterial routes or busy intersections.  
• We may consider permitting longer work days, or temporary road closures if it will significantly shorten the project duration. 
• The City Traffic team may adjust traffic signal timings at an intersection to keep traffic flowing efficiently.
• Measures such as signage, including electronic changeable message boards, are used on certain projects to encourage road users to use an alternate route. 
• When possible, we try to schedule major work around schools during the summer months, when traffic and pedestrian volumes are lower.
• We work closely with third party utilities and developers when they plan their projects to manage resident impacts and adherence to City bylaws.
  

A sidewalk may be closed for safety reasons, maintenance or infrastructure improvements such as new developments. Closures are implemented when an alternate route is available or there are no means to safely protect users during construction. 

If a sidewalk is closed, a detour or signage directing pedestrians to an alternate route will be in place.

• Safety Concerns
  • Construction work involves heavy machinery, tools, and materials that can pose a hazard to pedestrians. If the sidewalk is being dug up or replaced, the ground might be uneven and unsafe.
• Repairs and Maintenance
  • Cracked or broken panels (such as from tree root damage) need to be repaired or replaced to prevent tripping hazards.
• Utility Work
  • Utilities like water, gas, or electricity lines sometimes run under sidewalks. Workers may need to excavate the area for repairs or upgrades.
• Development
  • If a new building or other infrastructure is being constructed nearby, the sidewalk may be closed for safety reasons – such as to allow equipment access or to build a new sidewalk.

Some roads may feel rough because utility trenches have been temporarily patched. These are temporary measures to keep the road usable until the main work is finished. 

Permanent repairs or full resurfacing are usually done at the end of the project (or when the weather is favourable), to make sure the final road is smooth and long-lasting. 

We appreciate your patience while we work toward those final improvements.

The City’s Engineering and Public Works Customer Service team by phone at 604-927-3500 (24/7) or by email.

For a moving vehicle violation – contact the RCMP non-emergency number at 604-945-1550. Otherwise, contact Bylaw Enforcement at 604-927-3580.

Full closures may be necessary for work that takes place within the roadway and there is no available space to safely detour road users.

Be sure to follow posted speed limits, stay alert, avoid distractions, and obey flaggers or traffic controllers. Use alternate routes to avoid delays and note that anticipated start and end dates are subject to change. 

There are a number of ways to keep up to date on traffic impacts:

• Check traffic hotspots, or areas impacted by construction or road work, regularly updated on the City’s website at coquitlam.ca/TrafficHotSpots.
• Follow the City’s social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
• Subscribe to the Coquitlam Current biweekly e-newsletter. 
• Sign up for direct emails at coquitlam.ca/NotifyMe (scroll to bottom of the page and select Road Work and Construction News Flash.)