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Johnston Road Improvements
Johnston Road is partially closed to support Johnston Road Phase 2
Johnston Road will have one lane open for the duration of the project, which will take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete. Crews will be working Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with extended hours during evenings and weekends, as needed.
Improvements Update
September 11, 2024
Schedule Update
Johnston Road is expected to re-open in both directions by the end of October.
The project has encountered a number of challenges related to historic construction work that was not properly reported to the City. The accumulation of these challenges and recent subsurface conditions have impacted the original September 2024 completion date. The current schedule of reopening the road by the end of October is in line with original projections for a one-lane construction zone.
Safety remains a priority for the project. To improve safety around the project site, temporary crosswalk lights have been placed at the mid-block of Johnston Road between Russell Avenue and Thrift Avenue.
Partial Closure - September 10 to 13
The intersection of Johnston Road and Russell Avenue will be partially closed Tuesday, September 10 through Friday, September 13 to place the watermain upgrades within the intersection.
To avoid complete closure of the intersection, the closures have been broken down into the following phases:
- September 10, 11, 12: Russell Avenue east of the intersection will be closed in both directions
- September 13: Johnston Road will be closed southbound and Russell Avenue between 15185-15228 Russell Avenue will be closed eastbound
Every attempt will be made to maintain access to parking lots on Russell Avenue east of the intersection via George Street. Traffic control personnel will be on-site during working hours to assist drivers and detours will be in place.
Coffee Shop Chat
The City will offer an additional coffee chats this month as follows:
- September 18 from 9:00am-10:00am at the White Rock Community Center lobby (additional date being offered)
- September 25 from 9:00am-10:00am at the White Rock Community Center lobby
Bus Routes
The following bus routes have detours in place: 321, 345, 350, 351, 354, 362, 363, and 531. Visit translink.ca for more information on bus detours.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to complete important infrastructure work on Johnston Road.
Staff will continue to post project updates when available.
Business will remain open during construction
Shop local! Businesses are open during construction. While we work to enhance our infrastructure, we encourage everyone to show support for our local businesses. By choosing to shop local, we can ensure the continued success of our community and keep the local economy strong.
Construction management strategies include:
- Maintaining clear and well-marked sidewalk access to businesses, along with directional signage
- Providing free parking in the vicinity to encourage patronage
- Seeking additional input and ideas from business owners and residents
Public Engagement
Learn more about the project and public outreach at talkwhiterock.ca/johnstonroad
Renderings
Below is an artistic rendering of Johnston Road improvements. There may be minor changes to the design.
FAQ's
The City is committed to supporting businesses in White Rock by creating opportunities through investment in capital projects that will continue to attract residents and visitors throughout our beautiful seaside community.
Our primary objective for the Johnston Road Phase 2 project is to improve the road and sidewalk (east side) for better safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of the downtown core and to create a distinct gateway into White Rock.
This project is a continuation of Phase 1 which was completed in 2018. The City is also taking the opportunity to upgrade its underground utilities which are reaching the end of their service life and require replacement and upsizing. These improvements will increase capacity and improve the reliability of the City’s infrastructure to better serve our growing community
- Significant upgrades and upsizing of storm and sanitary sewers.
- Watermain replacement and upsizing.
- Sidewalk replacements on the east side to improve accessibility and remove tripping hazards. Sidewalk on the west side will not be modified.
- Decorative mid-block pedestrian activated crosswalk with improved visibility for pedestrian safety.
- Improved transit stop heading north bound.
- Native vegetation and irrigation.
- Bike racks, seating areas, and garbage/recycling receptacles.
- Decorative street lighting (including hanging baskets with irrigation).
- Sidewalk drainage improvements.
The capital project is preliminary scheduled to start in March 2024 and take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete.
The City will make every effort to minimize the impact of construction on your daily routine and/or business. During construction, we will do our best to address your concerns.
Immediate concerns can be addressed to Engineering and Municipal Operations at 604-541-2181 or email capitalprojects@whiterockcity.ca
Pedestrians will continue to have full access to residences and businesses on both the east and west side of Johnston Road with various parking options available nearby. We recognize that the project may pose difficulties for residents and small businesses in the area.
This is why the City is actively exploring innovative construction management strategies to lessen these effects, including:
- Maintaining clear and well-marked sidewalk access to businesses, along with directional signage
- Providing free City parking in the vicinity to encourage patronage
During construction, there will be some noise as crews work on portions of the road surface. Crews will be working Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with extended hours during evenings and weekends, as needed.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience that comes with construction of a major capital project and appreciate your cooperation and patience. We will make every effort to minimize the impact of construction on your daily routine.
Free street parking is available on Russell Avenue, George Street, and Thrift Avenue (follow posted time-limit signs).
Free parkade parking is available at the underground parkade at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Avenue) and the parking lot at Russell Avenue and Johnston Road.
Contact
For additional information or concerns, contact the Project Manager at capitalprojects@whiterockcity.ca