BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – If you thought driving around that closure on E. 1st Ave. in Vancouver was bad, you’ll definitely want to avoid a stretch of Lougheed Hwy. in Burnaby, starting next week.

Trevor Wales with FortisBC tells us the second phase of gas line work is set to begin.

“That’s going to be on Lougheed Highway between Delta and Madison Avenue. As a result of that construction for the gas line, the traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.”

It’s already a headache getting around that area, especially at Willingdon Ave., where construction is being done at Brentwood Mall.

Wales says Fortis has been working with the City of Burnaby, trying to prepare locals and businesses for the upcoming traffic disruptions. “One of the key things that we are continuing to remind people is that it’s best to know your route before you commute. That includes being aware of what other options are out there.”

“Maybe that means looking at changing your commute time slightly, or maybe it means taking transit to get where you need to go.”

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This phase is expected to wrap up around early October.

Meantime, gas line work along E. 1st Ave. in Vancouver is slated to finish at the end of August.

Last week, we told you about a bakery located at E. 1st Ave. and Commercial Drive, which said it was forced to shut its doors. The owners said the closure meant their business went from seeing an average of 60 customers a day to five.

“We feel like collateral damage,” said the general manager of Cassia Bake Shop.

Wales says this work has to be done, adding Fortis is working with businesses affected on a case-by-case basis.

“Our community relations team has been out there in the community in Vancouver on E. 1st Ave. and on Commercial Drive. They’ve also been doing similar outreach in Burnaby along the Lougheed Highway stretch. They’re working directly with businesses in the lead-up to the construction period to understand their unique needs during construction. We understand that there will be some challenges,” he adds.

Wales says he knows a project like this causes a lot of inconvenience and frustration. He notes crews are trying to get the project done as quickly and safely as possible.