Improvements

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  Transportation improvements

  To improve safety and accessibility across the bridge, we're converting two west-side travel lanes on the Granville Bridge to walking, rolling, and cycling, similar to the protected lane on the Burrard Bridge.

  We'll also be adding new traffic signals, wayfinding signage, and a car-free pedestrian and bicycle connection to the Arbutus Greenway by making traffic changes on the south end of the bridge.

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  North loops removal

  Originally designed for high-volume freeways that were never built, removal of the north Granville loops will create a new street network on the north end of the bridge. It also creates new opportunities for housing and local services on the City-owned land currently occupied by the loops.

How this construction may affect you

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  Access to residences and businesses

  Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times. Some short term driveway closures will be required to maintain public safety during construction.

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  Traffic

  Two lanes of traffic will be retained in both directions on Granville Bridge throughout construction.

  Some lane and street closures and detours will be in effect to facilitate construction. When required, vehicles will be detoured to the Howe Street and Seymour Street ramps.

  • Winter 2023 – east loop closure
  • Spring 2023 – west loop closure
  • Summer 2023 to fall 2023 – temporary Granville Street closure (refer to map below for detour)
  • Spring 2024 – opening of new downtown street network

  

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  Pedestrian and cyclist impacts

  Sidewalks on both sides of Granville Bridge will remain open to all users as much as possible. Sidewalk access will be maintained on the Howe Street and Seymour Street ramps with some detours in place. Watch for signage detours to ensure safety.

  Cyclists, continue to position yourself to safely share the road with other vehicles.

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  Transit

  When required, transit buses will be detoured via the northbound Seymour Street off-ramp and the southbound Howe Street on-ramp when Granville Street is temporarily closed to through traffic.

  Visit translink.ca/alerts External website, opens in new tab for more information about bus stop changes.

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  Parking

  Parking restrictions will be in effect to accommodate construction.

  Watch for changes to parking as work progresses. Restrictions will be lifted as soon as they’re no longer needed.

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  Dust and vibration

  Periods of noise, dust, and vibration are expected due to the nature of this work.

Recommended long-term design

West Side Plus

By City of Vancouver

 

• Looking north

  By City of Vancouver

• North end

  By City of Vancouver

• South end

  By City of Vancouver

• West side

  By City of Vancouver

• Recommended design

  By City of Vancouver

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  Challenges

  

  Current challenges

  By City of Vancouver

  Granville Bridge was designed to connect to high-speed, high-volume freeways that were never built.The freeway-style design presents significant safety and accessibility challenges for today’s urban context.

  • Narrow and uncomfortable sidewalks next to high-speed traffic

  • Steps in the sidewalks at crossings make the bridge inaccessible for people with mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters.

  • Unsignalized crosswalks at vehicle ramps feel unsafe and contribute to motor vehicle collisions.

  • Confusing connections due to vehicle ramps and signage designed for high-speed traffic

  • No cycling facilities across the bridge means people cycling either share a travel lane with high-speed motor traffic, or mix with pedestrians on the sidewalk.

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  Goals

  Based on feedback from the project’s first phase of engagement, we refined the project goals to:

  • Support our climate emergency efforts by enabling more trips via sustainable transportation
  • Make walking, rolling, and cycling across the bridge accessible, safe, and comfortable for all ages and abilities
  • Provide direct and intuitive walking, rolling, and cycling connections to key destinations and the sustainable transportation network
  • Create a special place that provides an enjoyable experience for all
  • Enable reliable transit and continued access for emergency vehicles
  • Accommodate motor vehicles, considering the bridge’s role in the regional transportation network
  • Integrate means prevention to deter self-harm
  • Incorporate environmental features, including provisions for rainwater management and wildlife habitat
  • Design for the future, considering compatibility with related projects and flexibility to adapt as the city grows
  • Provide value for money and maximize coordination opportunities
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  Recommendations

  We're recommending a refined version of the West Side Plus option that was shown in Phase 2, with changes based on public feedback.

  This was the preferred option by the public and a diverse range of stakeholders. Key features of the West Side Plus option include:

  • West side main path
    • Wide, accessible sidewalk with room for furniture and special places at key locations
    • Wide two-way bike path with room for passing
    • Protective barrier between the bike path and motor traffic
  • East side sidewalk and Hemlock St ramp improvements
    • Wide, accessible sidewalk
    • Protective barrier between the sidewalk and motor traffic
  • Fir ramp cycling connection
    • Relatively flat two-way cycling connection with 10th Ave bike route
  • Safe, accessible crossings at Howe St, Fir St, Hemlock St, and Seymour St ramps
    • Traffic signals to allow for safe crossing
    • Accessibility ramps to provide access for people using mobility aids
  • Connections to the network at each end
    • At south end – via an improved W 5th Ave linking to Arbutus Greenway
    • At north end – via proposed Drake St upgrades
    • Future-proofed for potential Granville Island elevator and staircase

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  Documents

  Phase 3

  • Consultation summary (July 2020) PDF file (890 KB)
  • Open house information display boards (January 2020) PDF file (25 MB)

  Phase 2 

  • Consultation summary (January 2020) PDF file (930 KB)
  • Open house information display boards (September 2019) PDF file (13.4 MB)
  • Supplemental design guide (September 2019) PDF file (10 MB)

  Phase 1

  • Consultation summary (August 2019) PDF file (1.8 MB)
  • Open house information displays (April 2019) PDF file (10.6 MB)
  • Video: What we heard in Phase 1 External website, opens in new tab

  Supporting documentation

  • Granville Bridge Connector and Drake Street improvements Council report (September 16, 2020) PDF file (31 MB)
  • 625-777 Pacific St rezoning application
  • Granville Loops Policy Plan PDF file (5 MB)
  • Transportation 2040 Plan (complete), page 67 (False Creek Bridges) PDF file  (15 MB)
  • Transportation 2040 Plan (condensed), page 68 (False Creek Bridges) PDF file  (16 MB)