Culvert Projects

A culvert is a tunnel-like structure that is constructed to allow roads, railroads, and trails to cross over flowing watercourses. Water flows through the culvert beneath the road crossing in its natural path. The culvert should maintain the ability to support drainage and habitat once installed.

Culvert replacements and upgrades are needed to avoid failures that could cause costly repairs and interruptions to traffic. Culvert failures can cause damage to the surrounding riparian environment.

Bell Slough Culvert Installation at McSween Road

In April, a new culvert on McSween Road crossing the Bell Slough was installed to reinstate the connection.

This project was a result of recommendations contained in the Bell Slough Study the City recently completed, with the goal of improving water quality and habitat within the slough.

Native tree and shrub species will be planted in the fall.

Parr Road Culvert Removal

The City removed the pedestrian crossing at the end of Parr Road to Eagle Landing Parkway in August. This will help restore streamflow and enhance local habitat and watershed health.

The existing culvert was originally installed in the 1980s. It reached the end of its service life and had failed due to corrosion. Because of its current condition, it was blocking natural streamflow. The original channel of Chilliwack Creek is no longer receiving water flow, causing detriment to water quality in the branch and reducing important drainage capacity for much of the City's lowland areas.

After consultation with First Nations and environmental regulators, a decision was reached not to restore the pedestrian crossing. The crossing was removed in July. The culvert removal will improve drainage conveyance, reduce standing water and mosquito production, and improve water quality and ecological health within Chilliwack Creek.

Gill Road Box Culvert Replacement

The Gill Road culvert crossing the Camp Slough was replaced with a new 3m x 1.5m concrete box culvert to improve flow and drainage in the Camp Slough. The previous culverts in the Camp Slough had reached the end of their service life and needed to be replaced to ensure the road access remains to the dead end road. The new box culvert will improve flow in the Camp Slough leading to better water quality, less stagnation, and improved drainage.