Nutter Corporation has begun the installation of deep underground utilities at the southern end of Columbia Street, representing the most recent milestone in the redevelopment of Vancouver’s Waterfront.
The infrastructure improvements are a joint effort between the port, the city of Vancouver and Columbia Waterfront LLC to revitalize the old Boise Cascade property.
Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians will see a flurry of activity on Columbia Street between the railway overcrossing south of Phil Arnold Way and the Red Lion Hotel driveway. Access to adjacent businesses will be maintained throughout the project.
The stormwater improvements are being funded through a nearly $2.7 million state Transportation Improvement Board grant, awarded to the city late last year. The grant will fund construction of a new stretch of Columbia Way along the north side of the railroad embankment, between Columbia Street and the newly constructed Grant Street underpass. The underground utilities must be completed before street construction can begin.
Nutter Corporation’s work is being done now to coincide with the time of year when groundwater levels and the Columbia River are typically at their lowest levels. Though the deep trenching and pipe installation in Columbia Street will take approximately five weeks, overall utilities installation may continue at the site until the end of the year.
