Photo: Contributed - TransLink

SkyTrain users in the Metro Vancouver area can expect lengthy delays this weekend as TransLink begins a major rail replacement project.

The work will continue next weekend as well.

The transit authority said major sections of its 30-year-old tracks need to be replaced to keep the system “safe and reliable." Riders are urged to plan for at least 20 minutes of extra travel time.

Work began Friday night and will continue through Sunday. It will resume Sept. 5 and continue right through the Labour Day long weekend.

Trains will be use only a single track at the Edmonds and Royal Oak stations this weekend. Next weekend, there will be single-track service at the Commercial-Broadway and Main Street-Science World stations.

The Millennium Line will only operate between VCC-Clark and Columbia stations both weekends.

“They want to be vigilant and make sure that they do preventative maintenance on a schedule that will ensure the integrity of the system,” ​Peter Fassbender, minister responsible for TransLink, told CTV.

“They make those management decisions based on what they know they need to do to perhaps prevent even stronger disruptions if something was to break down.”

SkyTrain attendants will be on hand at the stations to answer questions, TransLink said.

More detailed information on the delays is available on TransLink's website.

– with files from CTV Vancouver