The Government of Canada, the B.C. government and TransLink are celebrating the beginning stages of upgrades to Metro Vancouver’s busiest SkyTrain stations to improve accessibility, capacity, safety and security. Construction work began at Metrotown, Commercial-Broadway and New Westminster stations this spring.

The $66.6-million Commercial-Broadway Station upgrade is expected to be complete by spring 2017. The Government of Canada is contributing $9.4 million, B.C. is contributing $18.8 million, and TransLink is contributing $38.4 million towards the project. Commercial–Broadway Station is the busiest station on the network with 90,000 rapid transit trips per day and 60,000 bus trips per day using the 99 B-Line and two other frequent bus routes. The number of passengers using the station is expected to grow, especially when the Evergreen Line opens.

Upgrades include a new platform for westbound Expo Line trains, a new pedestrian walkway over Broadway connecting to the Millennium Line and the westbound 99 B-Line stop, widening of the walkway that provides access to the north station platforms, new elevators and escalators, an expanded Broadway concourse, widened entrances to the Broadway Station and a new bike parkade.

The $57.8-million Metrotown SkyTrain Station and Exchange upgrade is expected to be complete by December 2017. The Government of Canada is contributing $11.6 million, B.C. is contributing $23.2 million, and TransLink is contributing $23 million toward the project. This is SkyTrain’s second busiest station serving 50,000 rapid transit trips per day plus 25,000 trips from the bus exchange.

Upgrades include a rebuilt east stationhouse, new centre and west stationhouses, new escalators, stairs and three new elevators to improve access, improved station design with better lighting and visibility, improved bus connections and a new bike parkade.

The $12.3-million New Westminster Station upgrade is expected to be complete by summer 2016. The Government of Canada is contributing $2 million, B.C. is contributing $4.1 million, and TransLink is contributing $6.2 million toward the project.

Upgrades include a replacement elevator and escalators to improve access for customers, improved station design with better lighting and visibility, and better integration with the surrounding community.

The Building Canada Plan is focused on building a stronger, safer and better Canada through modern world-class public infrastructure. Launched in 2007, the plan is delivering results that matter to Canadians by supporting projects that contribute to cleaner air and water, safer roads, shorter commutes, and better communities. The plan is providing $33 billion in stable, flexible and predictable funding to provinces, territories and municipalities, allowing them to plan for the longer-term and address their ongoing infrastructure needs.

Quotes:

Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam –

“Our government is proud to invest in these important transit projects, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada. The improvements at these busy SkyTrain stations will make public transit faster, safer and more convenient for Metro Vancouver residents and commuters.”

Todd Stone, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“Knowing that we are expecting a million additional people in Metro Vancouver over the next 30 years, it’s critically important to continue to see improvements to our transit system to help citizens and tourists get around more efficiently with less of a footprint on the environment. These extensive renovations to three very busy stations will go a long way towards encouraging people to take SkyTrain as their preferred mode of travel. ”

Barry Forbes, vice-chair, TransLink board of directors –

“Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain system belongs to the citizens of this region. By leveraging the funding provided by our federal and provincial governments, TransLink’s investment of approximately $68-million will strengthen public transportation and help our customers get where they need to go, safely and efficiently.”

Associated Links

Learn more about the Building Canada Fund–Major Infrastructure Component: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html

Learn more about the New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html

Learn more about B.C. on the Move: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/