Heading to YVR? Plan ahead as 2-week lane closures begin

Travellers headed to and from Vancouver International Airport are advised to leave extra time or take the Canada Line tothe airport.

Starting Monday June 11, and lasting for approximately two weeks,there are lane closures in both directions on Grant McConachie Way, the main arterial route to the airport terminal.

BC Hydro crews are working to connect power to the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Mall, which is expanding, adding 35 new retailers.

"It's power for the new buildings that will go in there," said BC Hydro spokesperson Mora Scott.

"Because the construction is all underground work, we are tearing up a big section of the pavement, so we do require a lane closure to be able to do it," said Scott.

The shopping mall expansion will be completed by2019.

Road construction season

The airport is not the only place with traffic woes.

Road closures came into effect in Burnabyon Monday for theFortisBC gas line upgrade, the same project that's been causing headaches for drivers along East First Avenue in Vancouver.

Gilmore Avenue is closed in both directions from First Avenue to Gravely Street.There are local detours and the road should reopen on June 17.

• Road closures in effect: FortisBC starts work on new 4-km Vancouver gas line

The FortisBC project involves a total of 20kilometres of new gas line construction. It says the new lines must be put in becausethe current line, running from Vancouver to Coquitlam, has been in use since the 1950s.

FortisBCis asking for patience during the disruption and is asking commuters and residents to be prepared for delays and to plan alternate routes.

Road updates will be postedon its website.