FortisBC eyes new gas line route as Pattullo work progresses

BURNABY, B.C. — FortisBC is analyzing a new route to replace a gas line attached to the Pattullo Bridge after hearing from residents.

The company must replace the line as the province is preparing to decommission the old Pattullo Bridge and replace it with a new one. The province’s design standards do not allow a gas line on the new bridge so FortisBC has been tasked with finding an alternative.

The line is responsible for delivering gas to more than 35,000 homes and businesses in Burnaby, New Westminster and Coquitlam. The team had been looking at a route along Gaglardi Way, Cariboo Road and 16th Avenue in Burnaby.

But after a round of community engagement, the project team is now assessing a new possible route option to the west that would:

• Start near the intersection of Sperling Avenue and Lougheed Highway, and finish near the intersection of 16th Avenue and 4th Street;
• largely follow Sperling Avenue and Glencarin Drive north of Highway 1, and Lakefield Drive and 4th Street south of the highway; and
• include a new underground facility near the intersection of 16th Avenue and 4th Street.

The gas supplier submitted a project application to the British Columbia Utilities Commission on Aug. 31 and plan to update the application before the end of the year as its planning and engagement progresses.