The City of White Rock will begin work to stabilize Marine Drive retaining walls at “the hump” starting Oct. 5, with businesses and parking lots remaining open during the construction.
A City report from July 27, 2020, states that the retaining walls that support Marine Drive above the BNSF railway tracks, and located approximately between Johnston Road and Cypress Street, could potentially fail under seismic loading. Stabilization work is needed to protect Marine Drive and its underground utilities.
The construction is scheduled to take place from Oct. 5, 2020, to January 2021, occurring during and after work hours to help reduce the overall construction period.
Project Facts
- The City retained a geotechnical engineering consultant to provide a design for slope stabilization.
- The City posted a request for proposal for slope stabilization works and received proposals for repairs from four companies.
- Greystone Design Management Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract in the amount of $1,065,846.40.
- Project work is divided into the west and east stabilization areas. The west stabilization area is about 50 metres long and the east is 70 metres long. Project work includes:
- Removal of existing sidewalk and curbs to be replaced when the work is completed
- Construction of reinforced grade beams complete with steel-pipe piles
- Full-depth road reconstruction in distressed areas
- Asphalt mill and overlay in non-distressed areas.
- Vehicle traffic will be impacted in the following ways:
- Eastbound traffic will be detoured to Buena Vista Avenue or Victoria/Columbia Avenues
- Westbound traffic will continue on the westbound travel lane
- Detour signage will be installed, and traffic control persons will be on site during construction.
- Pedestrians can follow a detour map and signage that will be posted at the hillside walkways between Johnston Road and Cypress Street.
For more information, visit whiterockcity.ca/marinedriveproject and whiterockcity.ca/capitalprojects.
Quote
Mayor Darryl Walker
“Geotechnical experts have told the City that we must stabilize the retaining walls at the hump on Marine Drive. This critical work will cause some inconvenience, so I want to thank residents, businesses and visitors in advance for your patience and understanding.
To protect our local businesses and ensure access to the Waterfront, White Rock is keeping parking lots open and continuing access to Marine Drive for drivers and pedestrians.”