Upgrades to Vancouver’s Burrard Bridge have finally been completed.
The 85-year-old span has been plagued with closures and traffic congestion for more than a year-and-a-half, but the work is done and “the whole bridge is open now for walking, cycling and driving,” according to Mayor Gregor Robertson.
The City of Vancouver has upgraded lamp posts, concrete handrails, sidewalks, and more — all in an effort to preserve the bridge’s heritage.
The project also involved building another bike lane, suicide barriers, replacing aging sewer and water infrastructure, and safety improvements at the Burrard and Pacific intersection, the city’s second-highest collision location.
Globalnews.ca coverage of Burrard Bridge upgrades
Pedestrians will also be able to walk on the east side of the bridge once again.
Upgrades began more than 18 months ago and are estimated to have cost $35 million.
At a press conference on Saturday, Robertson admitted that the City received lots of “grumpy feedback” during construction and thanked commuters for their patience.
— With files from Amy Judd