Fortis sent us a new update and construction closures are looming, but exact dates are unclear. What is clear is that at some point there will be no more parking on eagle mountain drive (there is already no parking over on plateau) and there will be no way to get anywhere near sidewinder. The new map sent to us this evening shows where closure signage will be (yellow stars or orange “C”) and Sidewinder and anything near the gas plant will be blocked off with the road closed. Hopefully we can still get in until next spring, which is when work will move over to the west side of the compressor station. But with Eagle Mountain Drive as a designated heavy truck route for construction, we might find parking closures happen this year and effectively close everything.

Here is the update from Fortis:

“Following site preparations in Coquitlam, crews have begun tree clearing, stumping, grubbing, mulching and road upgrades. Our construction team anticipates continuing to progress this type of work through to the end of March. This spring, crews will continue with access road upgrades, stumping, grubbing, mulching and maintenance prior to pipeline construction, which is anticipated to begin this summer.

At the FortisBC Compressor Station, we expect upgrades to begin as early as May 1 and continue through March 2026. Minor traffic delays may be required to accommodate large trucks and will be monitored by traffic control personnel, who will work to safely direct and monitor oversized loads up hills in residential areas. Parking along Eagle Mountain Drive during construction will not be permitted as trucks will need enough space to make the narrow turn onto the road to the Compressor Station. Advanced notice of parking closures will be posted.

In the interest of public safety, additional custom trail closed signs will be implemented on all trails entering active work sites. Please see the attached trail map for reference. Trail and parking access on Plateau Blvd is expected to continue to be closed to the public during working hours (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday – Saturday) until January 2025. Some of the trails around the FortisBC Compressor Station off Eagle Mountain Drive (see attached trail map) may require closures until March 2026. Trails will be reopened as much as possible when the locations are safe for use.”