A $16.4-million project to repair aging water mains and sewer pipes at the McTavish Reservoir will result in several road closures near McGill University and the Royal Victoria Hospital for the next year.
Main and secondary pipes near the reservoir are in an advanced state of degradation, and have a history of breaking, according to a press release from the city of Montreal Monday. On average, the water mains are 82 years old, while the secondary pipes, on average are 123 years old. Secondary sewers are 103 years old on average.
These pipes provide drinking water to nearly 500,000 people in seven nearby boroughs, said the city.
The work will begin Oct. 9.
Here are the main closures:
- Oct. – Dec. 2012: Pine Ave. will be closed between Docteur-Penfield Ave. and McTavish Rd. Detour viaDocteur-Penfield Ave., which is open in both directions.
- Dec. 2012 - March 2013: Dr Penfield Ave. will be closed between McTavish Rd. and Pins Ave. Detour viaPins Ave., which is open to two-way traffic.
- April – Aug. 2013: Partial closure of Pine Ave., between Docteur-Penfield Ave. and Durocher St. Maintaining one lane westbound.
Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during this time to speed up the project. Access to all nearby institutions will remain open, and pedestrian pathways will be secured.
Further, traffic lights will be synchronized and police officers will be present to improve traffic flow in the area.
Major reconstructionof the water mains began in 2010 around the pumping station and reservoir.
These new lines will provide a supply of water during major work to repair the tank in 2014.
