VANCOUVER – The City of Vancouver is taking a look at eliminating another vehicle lane on the Burrard Street Bridge.
The city says it wants to improve safety for pedestrians at the north end, near Pacific Street. Right now, people are not allowed to walk on the east sidewalk as the area is only for cyclists. The plan would be to allow pedestrians on both sides of the bridge.
Lon LaClaire, City of Vancouver Transportation Director, said the intersection of Burrard Street and Pacific Street is the second-highest collision location in the City of Vancouver. “That’s because of a number of issues related to its existing design and we hope to address all of those as part of the bridge work,” said LaClaire.
The proposed project would also widen the intersection at the north end of the bridge to create a dedicated turn lane.
The city wants to have dual right lanes on Pacific for eastbound traffic turning south on to the bridge and dual right lanes on the bridge for northbound traffic turning east on to Pacific.
Back in 2009 one of the vehicle lanes was removed for a bike lane, which is now the city’s most popular cycling route.
The proposed construction would start in early 2016 and there will be some public consultation sessions.
City staff will be available at two open houses to discuss the project, answer questions and gather input. For those unable to attend an open house, an online survey can be completed online at vancouver.ca/burrardbridgenorth.
Open Houses:
June 6: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Roundhouse Community Centre
June 16: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Roundhouse Community Centre
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