New downtown street network now open

Another key milestone has been reached for the Granville Connector project as the new residential street network at the north end of Granville Bridge opens today, creating new downtown connections between Drake and Pacific streets.  

Drivers and pedestrians can now access Continental, Rolston and Neon streets from Pacific Street, Drake Street and the Granville Bridge.

The new street network, also known as the ‘H-road network,’ replaces the former Granville Bridge north loops which were originally designed for high-volume freeways that were never built. The new street network replaces the function of the north loops, improves traffic circulation, and provides access to future housing and local services on the City-owned land that was occupied by the loops.  

The new street network is part of the Granville Connector, a $50 million capital project which includes creating safe, accessible and convenient connections for walking, rolling, and cycling across the Granville Bridge and replacement of the north Granville loops to create a standard street grid layout. The project is expected to be complete later this summer. 

Construction next steps 

The final stages of the Granville Connector project include completion of new traffic signals at intersections within the new street network and across Granville Bridge to complete the cycling and pedestrian connections as well as completion of bicycle-friendly expansion joint cover plates and on and off-ramp crosswalk connections. 

As work moves towards completion, the west side of the bridge will remain closed to pedestrians and cyclists to allow for safe construction. Pedestrian access across the bridge will be retained on the east sidewalk. Cyclists can continue to share the road with other vehicles or use the protected bike lanes on the Burrard or Cambie Bridges. 

Work is also wrapping up the section of Drake Street between Hornby Street and Granville Street, which is planned to open at the same time as the Connector. This will provide a safe and comfortable connection into the City’s All Ages and Abilities (AAA) Active Transportation Network and Hornby Bikeway. 

Drake Street improvements continue 

Transportation upgrades along Drake Street between Granville Street and Pacific Boulevard will continue into 2026. This includes converting Drake Street to a one-way street for eastbound traffic from Burrard Street to Hamilton Street, and installation of a new, protected bike lane between Burrard Street and Pacific Boulevard. Once complete in spring 2026, these upgrades will provide a more comfortable and convenient route for pedestrians and cyclists travelling through downtown and a seamless connection to the Granville Connector.  

Background  

Constructed in 1954, Granville Bridge was originally designed as part of a freeway system that was never built. As a result, it was not accessible and presented a number of challenges for people to walk, bike or roll across the bridge.

In September 2020, Council endorsed the long-term design concept for the Granville Connector to transform the way the bridge is used by creating safer, more convenient access to active transportation and transit, while enabling future improvements.   

Construction on the Granville Connector project began in February 2023. Once complete, the Granville Connector will transform the way we use the Granville Bridge by allowing safe, accessible, and convenient walking and cycling across the bridge.  

Learn more about the Granville Connector project.