Vancouver’s Granville Bridge upgrades begin later this month
Posted February 8, 2023 12:08 pm.
Last Updated February 8, 2023 8:10 pm.
Massive changes are coming to Vancouver’s Granville Bridge this month, as construction to create safer, more accessible routes for walking and cycling begins.
The City of Vancouver says the work, which is part of the Granville Connector project, will convert two lanes on the west side of the bridge into separated pedestrian and bike routes — similar to the ones seen on the Burrard Bridge.
“Making these much-needed safety and accessibility improvements to Granville Bridge will mean the bridge can truly serve as a vital connection for all modes of travel between the growing commercial and job centres of the Broadway corridor and the downtown core,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said.
The upgrading project will also include a bike connection to the Arbutus Greenway at the south end of the bridge, along with new traffic signals, and signage for the connector that was originally built in 1954.
“The City will also be removing the loops that connect to Pacific Street at the north end of the bridge and replacing them with a new street network. The loops were originally designed for a high-volume freeway that was never built. The new street network will create opportunities for housing and local services on the City-owned land currently occupied by the loops,” the city notes in a release.
Work on an improved Granville Street Bridge begins later this month, including a cycling connection to the Arbutus Greenway – which will be fantastic if you ask me — and removal of the loops on the north end to add a new street network.Details: https://t.co/PoQhWmlLS1 #vanpoli pic.twitter.com/kK197A2ADQ
— Peter Meiszner 裴智勵/裴智励 (@PeterMeiszner) February 8, 2023
The first part of the work will start at the north end of the bridge, and the city anticipates the project will be finished by the fall of 2024. While a specific date for construction to begin was not provided by the city, crews are expected to be on scene in the coming week.
The city says throughout the upgrading work, two lanes going both ways will still be open for traffic, however, added volume is to be expected.