Drivers headed over the Lions Gate Bridge this weekend may want to consider alternate routes.
Metro Vancouver crews will be working to repair a leaking water main adjacent to the Stanley Park Causeway at Lost Lagoon resulting in lane closures for southbound traffic headed from Lions Gate Bridge through the Stanley Park Causeway to West Georgia Street.
Two lanes of southbound traffic will be closed on West Georgia Street, where the Stanley Park Causeway ends adjacent to Lost Lagoon, from 8 p.m. Friday evening through the weekend.
West Vancouver police noted in a press release that traffic is anticipated to return to regular patterns by 5 a.m. Monday morning.
Traffic control personnel will be in the area to keep traffic moving safely, but drivers should expect delays and use caution when approaching the area. An earlier stage of this water main repair resulted in extensive traffic backups on the North Shore on both approaches to the bridge, noted the release.
Options for drivers crossing from the North Shore to Vancouver during the lane closures include using the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing, planning extra time for travel over Lions Gate Bridge, or taking the SeaBus.
Other modes of transportation may also be effected.
Margo Harper, communications for Parks and Recreation, said that during this time "cyclists will be controlled by a flagger for the duration and pedestrians will be re-routed."
She confirmed this meant bike lanes will be accessible but cyclists may also experience some delays.
Greg Valou, media relations officer with Metro Vancouver, noted in an email: "This weekend’s water main repair work will not impact the bike lanes over the Lions Gate Bridge or the forested section of the Stanley Park Causeway. Cyclists approaching the work zone at West Georgia Street will temporarily share the one southbound lane with motorists. The bike lane on North Lagoon Drive remains temporarily closed as a result of the water main leak. Please use caution when in the area and follow directions from traffic control personnel."
West Vancouver police are urging drivers to avoid blocking intersections during periods of heavy congestion: Do not enter an intersection until there is space for your vehicle on the other side of the intersection.
This story was updated from its original version to include additional information about access to the bridge for cyclists.
