Frustration, confusion with ongoing seawall closure under Cambie Bridge

One of Vancouver’s busiest active transportation routes has been closed for two months since the seawall underneath the Cambie Bridge was blocked off to pedestrians and cyclists, and many are sharing their frustration with the situation.

The stretch was closed off for repairs by the City of Vancouver last January, with the city citing deterioration that may lead to public safety concerns.

Many are still finding a way through the area, however, and this is raising safety concerns.

Vision Zero Vancouver safety advocate Lucy Maloney doesn’t want this closure to be a repeat of the Central Valley Greenway closure between Boundary Road and Rupert Street — a major biking artery that was closed for two and a half months in the summer of 2022.

“It’s unfortunate that the city hasn’t prioritized the seawall, as it has been in poor condition for a very long time,” said Vision Zero Vancouver safety advocate Lucy Maloney.

“It’s an incredibly important facility to both tourists and Vancouverites, and it is used all year round. I think it is really important that we do put a high priority on one of the most important assets.”

In a statement, the City of Vancouver says in part that it’s in the process of constructing a permanent pathway approximately 10 meters south of the seawall so users can continue to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Vancouver coastline.

However, it wasn’t able to provide a timeline of when this pathway would be completed.