Surrey-based Hans Demolition and Excavating has been awarded another early works construction contract for the Evergreen Line.
Hans Demolition will begin work this fall to modify three light-industrial buildings in the 3000-block of Spring Street in Port Moody. This work is necessary to accommodate the Evergreen Line guideway.
During early works construction traffic is expected to continue without interruption and businesses in the area will be notified in advance as required.
The building modifications are part of a series of early works construction for the Evergreen Line. Early works construction lays the groundwork for major construction and helps keep the construction schedule on track.
The contract is valued at over $581,000. Hans Demolition and Excavating received one of the first early works contracts to remove vacant buildings in Coquitlam and Burnaby.
Other early works activities currently underway include the widening of North Road and the installation and relocation of utilities in Burnaby and Coquitlam. Power supply upgrades in Port Moody and northeast Coquitlam were completed in August.
SNC-Lavalin Inc. has been selected as the preferred proponent to design, build and finance the project. Major construction will get underway later this year once the final contract is signed.
The Evergreen Line will open in summer 2016, providing rapid transit for the first time to the communities of Coquitlam and Port Moody, as well as the students of Douglas College.
"The Evergreen Line is about moving people and creating jobs," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak. "The project is on track to open in summer 2016, bringing more transportation choices to families in Burnaby, Port Moody and Coquitlam."
"The Evergreen Line will be an important part of the region's
integrated transportation system," said TransLink chief operating officer Doug Kelsey. "We are already seeing the benefits of the new line - it's shaping development and helping the Tri-Cities area and region grow in a sustainable way."
Construction cost for the Evergreen Line is estimated to be $1.4 billion. Funding is being provided by the Government of British Columbia, the Government of Canada and TransLink.
The Province is contributing $583 million and will also oversee construction of the project. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $417 million. TransLink is contributing $400 million and will operate the Evergreen Line when it is complete.
Construction of the Evergreen Line will create 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.