Drivers heading to Sapperton or Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster should plan for traffic changes on East Columbia Street through mid-November 2026.
Metro Vancouver is replacing approximately 165 metres of Sapperton Sewer on East Columbia Street between Cumberland Street and Debeck Street. The Metro Vancouver project page confirms construction began the week of August 17, 2026 and runs approximately three months.
Metro Vancouver's own traffic-impacts diagram still shows a hard northbound keep-right onto Brunette plus Debeck/Cumberland cut-offs while the 165 m Sapperton sewer replacement runs. Useful for RCH and Sapperton drivers who might otherwise treat East Columbia as a normal Brunette shortcut.
What drivers should do
Heading to Sapperton or Royal Columbian Hospital from downtown: Detour via McBride Boulevard to Eighth Avenue.
Northbound on East Columbia Street: You must turn right onto Brunette Avenue.
Debeck Street and Cumberland Street: No access from East Columbia Street during construction.
Two-way traffic: At least one lane in each direction is maintained on East Columbia Street.
Key restrictions
- Northbound traffic on East Columbia must keep right onto Brunette Avenue
- No access to Debeck Street from East Columbia Street
- No access to Cumberland Street from East Columbia Street
- Sidewalk closures on Cumberland Street and East Columbia Street
- Bus stop #53110 on northbound East Columbia near Alberta Street is closed
Transit riders should check TransLink for current Route 109 service updates.
Work schedule
Construction generally runs Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. From August 17 to September 30, bypass pumps may run outside regular hours. Metro Vancouver notes noise mitigation measures are in place.
