City of Vancouver officials held the first of two open houses Saturday to discuss proposed upgrades to the Burrard Bridge.
Transportation Director Lon LaClaire says changes to the 83-year-old bridge are necessary.
“We’re doing some big upgrades to the structure of the bridge: much-needed replacement of the deteriorating railing; the sidewalks are being rebuilt; the electrical conduits through the bridge are being rebuilt,” he said.
“As part of that, we’re using this as an opportunity to also rebuild the north intersection of Burrard and Pacific.”
The intersection will be widened to include two right lanes and two through-lanes, but they’re also taking one of the northbound lanes and turning it into a bike lane and restoring pedestrian access.
WATCH: City unveils new plans for a revamped Burrard Bridge
“Right now we have five lanes on the bridge,” said LaClaire. “With these changes, the main span of the bridge would be reduced to four lanes of traffic, so two lanes in each direction.”
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 City says the changes will help improve safety. The Burrard and Pacific intersection is the second-highest in the city for collisions.
At Saturday’s consultation, city officials asked residents for their thoughts on the proposed changes.
But Councillor George Affleck says not enough has been done to earn the trust of the public.
Consultation wraps up June 23, then staff will present to council. If approved, construction would start in early 2016 and take up to 20 months to complete.
The second open house will take place June 16 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Those unable to attend either open house can fill out an online survey at vancouver.ca/burrardbridgenorth.
-with files from Jennifer Palma and Amy Judd
- Indecent offender arrested twice in one week, West Shore RCMP says
- Volkswagen Canada announces airbag fix for recalled Atlas SUVs after almost one year wait
- B.C.’s carbon tax hike kicks in on Monday, April 1 so prepare to pay more at the pump
- Spike in Metro Vancouver restaurant closures sparks concern
Comments