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Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel

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Construction of the Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel is complete, marking a major milestone on this project. Over the next few years, Metro Vancouver will connect the new tunnel into the existing water system and restore work areas.

This project has won two awards: 2024 Canadian Project of the Year from the Tunnelling Association of Canada​ and 2025 Engineering Excellence from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of British Columbia.

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Second Narrows Water Supply TunnelSecond Narrows Water Supply Tunnel<div class="ExternalClassF9224FF366CF4397BD7FCAD0878CA8EB"><p>Metro Vancouver constructed the Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel deep under the Burrard Inlet, between Burnaby and the District of North Vancouver. This new water supply tunnel meets current seismic standards and increases the capacity of the drinking water system to meet the needs of our growing population.<br></p><p>The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel is approximately one kilometre long and 30 metres below the bottom of the inlet. It was excavated using a tunnel boring machine, which was launched from the entry shaft in North Vancouver and removed from the exit shaft in Burnaby. We installed three steel water mains inside the new tunnel and two underground valve chambers, one at each shaft site.<br></p><p>Metro Vancouver is currently restoring impacted areas and connecting the three new water mains into the existing water system. To minimize impacts on the drinking water supply, we can only connect one water main per year during the low‑demand season. These connections will take place between October and May, from 2025 to 2028. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.​<br></p><p>This is one of five new regional water supply tunnels designed by Metro Vancouver to ensure delivery of drinking water in the event of a major earthquake. <br></p></div>District of North Vancouver and BurnabyProject

 

 

Project updateProject update<div class="ExternalClass4B562C00FE8D422687D455544854FFD5"><p></p><p>Metro Vancouver is restoring project areas and connecting the newly built Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel to the regional water system. <br></p><p><b>Second Narrows Park</b></p><p></p><p>The first water main connection at this location is complete. The next connection work is planned for spring 2026.</p><p>Restoration work is ongoing at Second Narrows Park. The new valve chamber will be integrated into the existing landscape by spring 2026. Final restoration will take place in 2028, after water main connection is completed.<br></p><p>We will provide more information about upcoming work as details become available.​<br></p></div>4/22/2025 7:00:00 AM

 

 

Map - Work Sites - Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnelhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/map-work-sites-second-narrows-water-supply-tunnel_jpg.jpgMap - Work Sites - Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel
Cross section of the Second Narrows Supply Tunnelhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/cross-section-snwst-2018-feb_jpg.jpgCross section of the Second Narrows Supply Tunnel
Second Narrows Tunnelhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/second-narrows-tunnel_jpg.jpgSecond Narrows Tunnel
Graphic - Valve Chamber Cross-Section - Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnelhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/graphic-valve-chamber-cross-section-second-narrows-water-supply-tunnel_jpg.jpgGraphic - Valve Chamber Cross-Section - Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel
Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel - South Shaft Site Locationhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/map-south-shaft-site-second-narrows-water-supply-tunnel-project-12-Jul-2022_jfif.jpgSecond Narrows Water Supply Tunnel - South Shaft Site Location

 

 

Project activitiesProject activities<div class="ExternalClassA57E4233D02C4CC3868F1CDD465EA262"><p></p><p>Project activities included:<br></p><p> <strong>Construction</strong></p><ul><li>Construction of two shafts</li><li>Excavation of tunnel</li><li>Installation of three water mains inside the new tunnel </li><li>Construction of two underground valve chambers, one at each shaft site<br></li></ul><p> <strong>Water main connection </strong></p><p>We will integrate the three new water mains, installed inside the tunnel, into the existing water system. This work includes relocating existing utilities and installing pipes between the existing and new water mains before each connection can take place. To minimize impacts on the drinking water supply, we can only connect one water main per year during the low‑demand season. These connections will take place between October and May, from 2025 to 2028.<br></p><p> <strong>Restoration</strong></p><p>Restoration activities at Second Narrows Park in Burnaby are underway. By the end of 2025, the new valve chamber will be integrated into the existing landscape, by having its roof covered with native species of shrubs. Following the final water main connection in 2028, the remaining park areas will be restored with shrubs and large trees.<br></p><p>In the District of North Vancouver, streets and other areas impacted by the project will be restored to previous or better condition in 2027, after the water main connection is completed.​<br></p><div class="uk-overflow-auto">​​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ <table class="uk-table uk-table-small uk-table-divider mv-border-cyan mv-table-heading-cyan mv-table-border uk-table-striped"><thead><tr><th class="uk-width-1-4 uk-text-center mv-table-border"> 2025</th><th class="uk-width-1-4 uk-text-center mv-table-border"> 2026</th><th class="uk-width-1-4 uk-text-center mv-table-border"> 2027</th><th class="uk-width-1-4 uk-text-center mv-table-border">​​​​2028​​</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td colspan="4" class="uk-text-center">​​Wat​er main c​onnection​​<br></td></tr><tr><td class="mv-table-border">​​​​Partial restoration in Burnaby</td><td class="mv-table-border"></td><td class="mv-table-border">​​​Restoration in the District of North Vancouver</td><td class="mv-table-border">​​​​​​Final restoration in Burnaby​​<br></td></tr></tbody></table>​ </div> <br> </div>
Impacts and mitigationImpacts and mitigation<div class="ExternalClass87A76194D98B4AC7805549673986912F"><p> <strong>Reducing impacts to the park</strong></p><p>The new valve chamber in Second Narrows Park has been designed to fit into the park as seamlessly as possible; this includes the valve chamber being set into the existing landscape and the installation of a sloping green roof.</p><p>Tree removal will be required to accommodate construction. The majority of vegetation removal required for this project consists of shrubs and invasive species such as blackberry bushes and knotweed.</p><p>Once construction is complete, this site will undergo a full restoration. This includes the implementation of a re planting program and landscaping of any disturbed areas with native plants and species.</p><p> <strong>Trans Canada Trail</strong></p><p>The Trans Canada Trail will remain open for the duration of construction. </p><p>The existing access road that is used for utility maintenance, sometimes known as the Upper Trail, will be closed for the entire construction period. This road was initially built to conduct maintenance on the existing water and sewer infrastructure that is located in and around the park.</p><p>Metro Vancouver recognizes the current recreational use of the access road and will ensure that it is restored to similar or better condition after construction.</p><p> <strong>Traffic impacts and noise</strong></p><p>The entry shaft will be located in an industrial area in the District of North Vancouver; this is where the majority of construction, including the removal of excavated ground material, will take place. In an effort to reduce truck traffic, ground material excavated from this entry shaft will be transported to a disposal facility by barge.</p><p>In meeting with local residents, Metro Vancouver heard that noise was a concern and will ensure that noise mitigation measures will be in place during construction. In addition, noise studies have been completed to ensure that all work will comply with City of Burnaby’s bylaws or granted bylaw variances.</p> ​​<br></div>
Work hoursWork hours<div class="ExternalClassD5916254BC2E4B3088A25D08B43008CD"><p>At the south shaft site, work will take place: ​<br></p><ul><li>Monday to Friday: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm</li><li>Saturdays: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm<br></li></ul> <p>Crews may occasionally be required to work outside of bylaw hours; in these cases, advanced notice will be provided to residents. All work will comply with City of Burnaby’s bylaws or granted bylaw variances.<br></p></div>
EngagementEngagement<div class="ExternalClass2E525C6A30864198A4647AF20241273D"><p>At Metro Vancouver we make decisions that impact nearly 3 million residents that live in our region. Metro Vancouver engages municipalities, businesses and the general public whenever we are working on a new program, policy, or project across our service areas. Learn more about our <a href="/about-us/community-engagement" target="_blank">engagement principles</a>.</p><p> <strong>January 2019 open house</strong></p><p>Metro Vancouver held an open house for the Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel Project in January 2019.</p><p>Below is a high-level summary of what we heard:</p><ul><li>Interest in construction schedule and restoration plan</li><li>Maintain lane access for residents</li><li>Minimize construction impacts on residents and park users</li><li>Minimize construction impacts on the ecology of the park</li><li>Questions about slope stability, noise and vibration​​​<br></li></ul> <p>Where possible we will incorporate your input into our project plans and we will report back on how we are using that input as this project progresses.</p><p> <strong>Supporting materials</strong></p><ul class="fa-ul"><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span>​​<a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/second-narrows-wst-display-panels.pdf" target="_blank">Open House Display Panels</a>​</li><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/snwst-feedback-highlights-engagement-summary.pdf" target="_blank">Open House Feedback Highlights</a>​​​<br></li></ul></div>
Project materialsProject materials<div class="ExternalClass34F23C7E1A4143AE9695C18086F4BFEF">​<strong>Newsletter​​​​s</strong><ul class="fa-ul"><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span> ​<a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Newsletter-North-Shaft-Project-Update-Second-Narrows-Water-Supply-Tunnel-January-2025.pdf">Newsletter - North Shaft Project Update - Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel - January 2025</a></li><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span> <a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Newsletter-South-Shaft-Project-Update-Second-Narrows-Water-Supply-Tunnel-January-2025.pdf">​Newsletter - South Shaft Project Update - Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel - January 2025​​</a></li><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span> <a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Montrose-Main-Tie-In-Phase-2-Second-Narrows-Water-Supply-Tunnel-December-2024.pdf">Newsletter - Water Main Connection Work and Holiday Schedule - Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel - Decemb​er 2024​</a>​​​</li><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span> <a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/second-narrows-water-supply-tunnel-montrose-main-tie-in-second-narrows-water-supply-tunnel-october-2024.pdf">Newsletter - Montrose Main Tie-In - Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel - October 2024​</a>​​</li><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span> <a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Second-Narrows-Water-Supply-Tunnel-newsletter-Dec-2023.pdf">Newsletter ​​- Project update at the south shaft site in Burnaby - December 2023​</a>​​​<br></li></ul></div>
Related linksRelated links<div class="ExternalClass395B4B09776940F2AD4A080E35A88D5E"><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_ZrwSeONLoLF6_oCG0srIGuV2xUCmD3b">Video gallery – Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel</a> </p><p><a href="/services/water/the-regional-system">Learn more about Metro Vancouver's dr inking water system</a><br></p><p><a href="https://www.itsalldrinkingwater.ca/">Water conservation tips </a>​<br><br></p></div>

 

 

Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel Update 2020Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel Update 2020425260889
Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel – TBM Breakthrough 2021Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel – TBM Breakthrough 2021601347670
Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel 2022Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel 2022720454457
Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel 2023Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel 2023832443735

 

 

Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel 2023Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel 2023832443735

 

 

2019 – 20212019 – 2021<div class="ExternalClass55EA189ACD224929A9E509BE6D0B9409"><p>Shaft and tunnel construction​s<br></p></div>0
2019 – Fall 20242019 – Fall 2024<div class="ExternalClassDDD41BF695F543D6965A8F764752E645"><p>North valve chamber construction<br></p></div>0
2021 – Fall 20242021 – Fall 2024<div class="ExternalClassF99E26DE888F4E89B12B014D8EF3148A"><p>South valve chamber construction<br></p></div>0
2025 – 20282025 – 2028<div class="ExternalClass7AD3843083E24A01891E20F30FA7099E"><p>​​Water main connections and restoration ​​<br></p></div>1

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