The city held its first open house for the Dunsmuir Connection, a future elevated cycling and pedestrian path which is being compared New York’s famous High Line.
The new route will replace the Dunsmuir Viaduct and connected the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station to the new Creekside Park extension adjacent to the seawall.
The area is set to be transformed as part of the Northeast False Creek development plan, which will include thousands of new housing units, commercial space, an extension to the seawall and a new street network to replace the demolished viaducts.
Two options are being presented for public feedback, a one-level connection with cycling and pedestrian paths next to each other; and a multi-level connection, with the cycling path vertically separated from the pedestrian route on an underpass.
Both options will include a new plaza at Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station and a “small, urban space” at Citadel Parade. Access to Rogers Arena (and Costco) via the existing elevator and stairs will be maintained.
There are also two options for the “Park Landing” — where the Dunsmuir Connection meets the future Creekside Park, adjacent to the seawall.
Option A includes a grand staircase connecting the pedestrian path to the Carrall Street greenway; while Option B includes a large outdoor amphitheatre, which will also connect pedestrians to the greenway.
A screen will separate the new Dunsmuir Connection from the existing SkyTrain guideway. Materials being considered include wood, metallic, or a living wall.
There is a $10 million premium to Option B, with Option A estimated at $80 million and Option B at $90 million.
This is in addition to the $360 million the city has already approved for the demolition of the viaducts and a new, reconfigured street network.
Pacific Blvd. will be converted into a two-way boulevard, and an intersection with Georgia Street will be added close to False Creek.
The city plans to identify a preferred design for the Dunsmuir Connection by Spring 2020, with construction set to begin in 2021.
A second open house is planned for Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Details available here.
