Metro Vancouver Completes Tunnelling for $450M Water Project

BREAKING: Metro Vancouver has just announced a significant milestone in its ambitious water supply infrastructure project. The tunnelling phase of the Annacis Water Supply Tunnel is officially complete, paving the way for a vital upgrade in delivering drinking water to communities south of the Fraser River.

This new 2.3-kilometre tunnel, located approximately 50 metres below the Fraser River, runs between New Westminster and Surrey, just north of Annacis Island. A tunnel-boring machine, affectionately named “Anna,” successfully dug the tunnel from south to north.

“This work is necessary,” stated Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. “It’s not ‘nice to have work’. It’s ‘must have work’. Serves the needs of the region and to make sure we have the most reliable infrastructure.”

The Annacis Tunnel is designed to withstand a catastrophic event, capable of enduring a one-in-10,000-year earthquake, or a magnitude 9 earthquake. The project is on track and within its budget of $450 million, with completion and integration into the water supply system expected by 2028.

This tunnel is part of a larger initiative, as Metro Vancouver is constructing five under-river water tunnels to replace aging supply lines. The total budget for these five crossings stands at a staggering $2 billion, highlighting the region’s commitment to modernizing its water infrastructure.

As communities rely increasingly on reliable access to clean drinking water, this project is pivotal for the future of the region. Residents may not see the tunnel, but its impact will be crucial for years to come.

Stay tuned for further updates as Metro Vancouver continues to advance this critical infrastructure project.