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1. Why is there so much construction affecting my daily commute?

Coquitlam is one of the fastest-growing cities in Metro Vancouver. To meet our infrastructure needs, the City builds, maintains, rehabilitates and improves roads and underground utilities. Improving existing roads enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents. 

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

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

2. Why can’t construction be done faster or at once?

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.

3. Is all this construction necessary?

Much of the construction is essential for maintaining safe and efficient roads, repairing wear and tear, upgrading outdated infrastructure and increasing capacity of infrastructure to support and accommodate the needs of our growing community.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

4. Why do construction projects often take longer than initially planned?

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.

5. Why don’t you do the work at night?

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.

6. Why do we see contractors standing around? Who pays for this?

It's often about logistics, safety, or waiting on something critical to proceed. The City retains qualified contractors to construct capital construction projects who have gone through the City’s procurement process. The City enters contracts with the selected contractor and they are paid based on accepted prices regardless of how much staff it takes to complete the work. 

There are a number of other projects underway throughout the City from other parties such as:

• External Third Party Utility: Each year, many large-scale third-party utility projects take place across the City (i.e. project led by Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro, FortisBC, etc.). These projects are managed by the external, third-party company. 
• 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, not City taxpayers.

7. How do City staff decide which roads to repair or improve first?

Prioritization is based on the type of road—arterial, collector and local—existing road conditions and available funding. Roads in poor condition or critical routes often get priority. Timing is also coordinated with other projects like water, sewer and drainage replacements to avoid digging up the same road twice.

8. Why was the road dug up the year before the City repaved it?

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.

9. Why are there so many road projects happening at the same time?

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

10. Why are some construction projects delayed or paused?

There are many factors that can cause delays or pauses to projects such as utility conflicts, funding issues, unexpected site conditions, bad weather, supply chain disruptions and contractor availability.

11. Why are you working on certain roads more frequently?

Many of our major arterial routes such as Como Lake Avenue have a lot underground utilities – water, sanitary, drainage, Fortis BC, BC Hydro, etc. While it can feel repetitive, this work is a part of keeping essential systems working properly. Some roads may see work that is more frequent because of:

• The street location and how much traffic it sees
• Pavement condition and age
• The street serves buses and trucks
• Other construction or development in the area
• Third party utility projects (Hydro, FortisBC, etc.)

We also repair potholes, curbs, and surface issues across the city throughout the year to keep streets drivable between more involved reconstruction projects.

12. What considerations does the City make to minimize disruptions?

• 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 will consider longer work days, or temporary road closures if it will significantly shorten the project duration. 
• Staff on our Traffic team adjust traffic signal timings at intersection to keep traffic flowing efficiently.
• Measure 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 to be completed during the summer months, when traffic volumes are lower.

13. Pedestrian and cyclist accessibility? Why do we close sidewalks in construction areas, making it challenging for pedestrians and accessibility?

A sidewalk may be closed related to safety, maintenance or infrastructure improvements. 

• 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 resurfaced, the ground might be uneven and unsafe.
• Repairs and Maintenance: Cracked or broken panels (i.e. 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.

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

14. The road conditions through some work areas are horrendous? Why does the City allow this?

Some roads may feel rough because utility trenches have been temporary 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.

15. Who to call if you see horrible road conditions?

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

16. Illegal/unsafe truck activity and who to call?

Moving vehicle violation – non-emergency RCMP at 604-945-1550 otherwise Bylaw Enforcement at 604-927-3580.

17. How does road construction affect local businesses?

Construction can sometimes reduce traffic flow or access, but completed improvements often bring better traffic flow and increased safety that benefits businesses in the long-term.

18. Why are some roads closed entirely during construction?

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

19. What can drivers do to stay safe in construction zones?

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.

20. How do I stay informed and minimize the impact on my commute?

Follow the City on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram where we update regularly with Traffic Hot Spots. Sign up for Road Work and Construction NotifyMe direct emails at coquitlam.ca/notifyme and follow our social media platforms to check for closures and detours.

Coquitlam, like municipalities across B.C., will continue to see a lot of construction activity supporting community growth and needs. 

Mitigating construction impacts continues to be a priority for the City, with additional resources, information and outreach being planned and implemented.