Businesses in the area of United Boulevard and Mary Hill Bypass are being asked to be patient during noisy demolition work on the old Port Mann Bridge this week.
Crews have been working from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. since Tuesday, with no work being done this weekend, in an effort finish the job by Tuesday, March 19. The new schedule is an effort to accommodate businesses in the area as well as residents further away who have also been affected by the noise and vibrations from breaking up concrete and asphalt.
Transportation Investment Corp. spokesman Max Logan said residents complained of noise from the demolition when the concrete demolition phase of the work began just over two weeks ago.
The early morning hours were subsequently cut back at the same time the contractor was trying to accommodate businesses that are close to the bridge.
But the 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. compressed schedule would have extended the job by several weeks, while the 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. schedule seems to be a reasonable compromise.
"We're trying to balance the needs of the residents and the needs of business and to get it done as quickly as possible," explained Logan.
Once the concrete and asphalt are removed, crews will start taking down the metal foundation for the deck and then the piers.
Work is being concentrated on the Coquitlam and Surrey ends where the old bridge overlaps with the new bridge so that the final two lanes of the new Port Mann Bridge can be opened, Logan said.
