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A helicopter operation is causing road closures in Downtown Vancouver

Here's what's going on and how to avoid it.
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A low-flying helicopter will close streets in Downtown Vancouver Friday, May 26 and Thursday, June 1, 2023.

A low-flying helicopter is replacing a large-scale sign on Shaw Tower Friday morning (May 26) and next Thursday (June 1) which will cause road closures.

The 200 block of Thurlow Street will be closed between 7 a.m. and noon on both days, as will the 1000 block of W Waterfront Road. The 1000 block of W Cordova Street will remain open except for intermittent closures when the helicopter is flying directly overhead.

The operation will involve the helicopter making eight trips to dismantle and transport four pieces of Shaw signage on Friday, and then replacing it with six new pieces of Rogers signage next week, the largest of which weighs just under 1,500 pounds, according to a City of Vancouver press release. Next week's operation will reportedly involve over 12 flights.

Due to the height of the building and limited ground-level accessibility, a helicopter is needed for the job and weather permitting, each flight should last 10 to 15 minutes over a three-hour period.

Residents and businesses will remain accessible on the closed streets during the operation but people should expect parking changes, some sidewalk closures, and intermittent noise from the helicopter.

VPD will be on-scene directing traffic and the City asks those travelling in and around the area to plan ahead and expect delays.