Enhancements to bridge also include wider sidewalks, new street network and signalled intersections
The City of Vancouver is recommending a two-way bike lane on the west side of the Granville Street Bridge, plus additional enhancements including lighting and a suicide prevention fence.
The bridge is considered unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists, with 52 per cent of pedestrians in a city survey saying they are uncomfortable walking across the bridge on their own. Seventy-eight per cent of cyclists say they are uncomfortable using the route.
Key issues include the lack of a barrier between the traffic and sidewalk, high-speed vehicle traffic and steps in the sidewalk at crossings.
The city’s recommended plan, which was based on public consultation, will go before council this spring, with construction on the upgrades expected to begin in 2021. The cost is expected to be between $30-$40 million and take several years to complete.
Highlights include:
- Eliminating two of the eight traffic lanes in order to expand the sidewalks on either side, and creation of a two-way bike lane on the west side of the bridge.
- Signalized intersections (traffic lights) at on- and off-ramps (Seymour, Howe, Hemlock, Fir)
- Addition of suicide prevention fencing in collaboration with Vancouver Coastal Health, and similar to Burrard Street Bridge, at a cost estimated to be between $8-$15 million, on top of the $30-$40 million overall project cost. The city says that since the suicide prevention fence was installed on the Burrard Street Bridge, no one has jumped from the crossing.
- Addition of a new, two-way bike lane from Fir Street ramp to 10th Avenue bike route.
- Reduction of vehicle speeds on Granville Street Bridge from 60 km/h to 50 km/h.
Project also encompasses removal of Granville Street Bridge loops
The Granville Street Bridge upgrade project also ties in with the removal of the Granville Street loops at the north end of the bridge as it enters downtown Vancouver.
The removal of the loops will allow the city to extend Continental Street and Rolston Street south to Pacific Blvd., as well as the creation of a new street called Neon Street, which would run east-west between Continental and Rolston and include a new signalized intersection at Granville and Neon Street.
The new roads will improve access to the area, and also open up future development opportunities. In 2018, the city marketed the lands as a 99-year lease. They include the existing Black Top Cabs headquarters building, expected to move out sometime this year.
The lease plan called for the development of 725,000 square feet of market and non-market housing and commercial space, with building heights up to 33 storeys.
The city says the upgrades will also be compatible with a proposed elevator from the bridge down to Granville Island, something that has been in the works for several years.
To view the proposal and share your feedback with the City of Vancouver, visit: vancouver.ca/granvilleconnector
