Front Street closure means disruption for New Westminster traffic

Residents of New Westminster are preparing for major disruption to the city's roads as Front Street closes Feb. 1 for five months.

Commercial truck traffic will be re-routed as the street is closed to all vehicular traffic to allow for the partial demolition of the Front Street Parkade, and the construction of a new development, Front Street Mews.

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The construction is designed to improve the appearance of the frontage road, with new parking stalls, a wider sidewalk and landscaping.

Front Street is expected to remain closed until July.

The city says pedestrian access will remain open along Front Street during the changes, and vehicles will be allowed access to the frontage road, though there will be intermittent closures between Begbie Street and Sixth Street.

During construction access for vehicles between Begbie Street and Mackenzie Street may be restricted to the Trapp & Holbrook underground parking, according to the New Westminster City Hall website.

The eastern section of the parkadewhich is to be keptwill be rehabilitated first, in order that some parking will be available through the work. Once that has been completed, the western section will be deconstructed.

Truck traffic rerouted

The following changes to truck route commercial regulations will be implemented:

• Eastbound truck traffic on Royal Avenue will be permitted between the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Westbound truck traffic will be permitted on Columbia Street between the hours of 6 a.m.to 9 p.m.
• Between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., commercial truck traffic will be permitted on 10th Avenue in the eastbound and westbound directions between Southridge Drive and McBride Boulevard.

Map of parking options during the closure