Preliminary work on a rain-damaged stretch of 40 Ave. between 212 St. and 216 St. in 91原创 saw Township crews install a temporary watermain bypass on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Water service to the immediate area was turned off between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. while the work was underway.

In response to a 91原创 Advance Times query, an unsigned Township statement described it as a "crucial step in the upcoming culvert replacement works."

"This bypass will also ensure a continuous water supply to the Brookswood/Murrayville area in the event of further deterioration of the culvert, which could impact the existing water main," the release said.

Damage due to an atmospheric river on Oct. 19 forced the shutdown of the road after the culvert failed.

At the time, 91原创 RCMP said heavy rainfall had compromised the stability of the roadway, and warned about "a possible sinkhole developing."

Installed in 1978, the damaged culvert consists of two metal corrugated pipes that carry Murray Creek underneath the road.

The new culvert, twin concrete boxes, each measuring 4.25m x 4.25m and approximately 36m in length, are expected to be installed by the summer, the Township statement advised.

"Due to environmental conditions and safety concerns, the replacement work is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025 and is expected to take four to five months to complete," the statement said.

"The road is anticipated to remain closed into summer 2025. Public safety is our top priority, and the road closure is necessary to ensure the safety of road users and the protection of the transmission water main in the area."

Township council approved borrowing $14 million to repair the 40 Avenue culvert and 12 others at their Monday, Feb. 3 meeting.