MetroVancouver Update: Upcoming Iona Causeway Improvements & Status of Barge Berth Location
On behalf of the Iona Projects to share two updates, notably on upcoming construction along the Iona causeway and the current status of the proposed barge berth that would support future construction needs for the Iona Projects.
Causeway Improvements
In the coming weeks, Metro Vancouver will begin construction along the Iona Island Causeway to support future construction needs on the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. These early works improvements will provide safer access to Iona Island for all road users and allow the road to better support construction needs during future phases of the Iona Projects.
Work will include:
Road improvements, including widening the travel lanes, adding a construction vehicle queue lane, and cycling shoulders on both sides of the road
Upgrades to underground utilities to support the wastewater treatment plant
Planting a landscaped boulevard
Construction of a greenway for pedestrians and recreational cycling
A separated greenway
In preparation for construction along the causeway, there will be clearing, brushing, and tree removal within the work area. Bird nesting surveys will be conducted in advance of any tree felling and a tree management plan is in place to retain as many trees as possible.
Work Schedule
Timeline: mid-2025 to early 2026
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm
Work hours may sometimes be extended to complete specific tasks and/or stay on schedule
All work will comply with City of Richmond bylaws or granted bylaw variances
Public access to Iona Island will be maintained during construction. Please use caution when travelling in the area and follow the direction of signage and traffic control personnel.
Construction impacts may include:
Delays when travelling to Iona Island
Temporary traffic pattern changes
Limited access to viewpoints along causeway
…
Barge Berth Update
Currently, Metro Vancouver is responding to concerns about the cost of the Iona Projects by exploring how we can deliver the projects to ensure cost sustainability for ratepayers in our region. This means that we are looking at the conceptual plans for the project and considering other ways that the project might be delivered.
During this time, a decision on the potential barge berth will not be made. Some early works for the Iona Projects will advance in cases where the work is critical to preparing the site for the future plant upgrades, such as the upcoming Causeway Improvements.
We anticipate that we will be able to provide updates on a potential new approach to delivering the Iona Projects in mid-2025. We will continue to update the community on early works and any change to the project and will update you when we pick up work to select a location for the barge berth. All input to date remains part of what we will consider in designing the project, including the noise and air quality concerns raised by the community during engagement.
Should you have any questions about these two updates, please don’t hesitate to visit:
https://metrovancouver.org/services/liquid-waste/iona-island-wastewater-treatment-plant-projects
