Progress on the Evergreen Project continues as construction of the station plaza areas begins this spring, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone announced today.

“The Evergreen Line Project is now more than 80% complete and now that construction of the station buildings is almost complete, development of the plazas around the stations is starting to take shape,” said Stone. “We’re proud to invest in infrastructure projects like the Evergreen Line that offer public transit options for families, enhance communities and benefit the local economy. It’s important these new public spaces are designed to be welcoming, accessible and reflective of the communities in which they’re built.”

A contract in the amount of $2.1 million has been awarded to Coquitlam-based contractor Jack Cewe Ltd. for construction of the Burquitlam Station plaza. This work is just starting and will be complete this summer. A second contract will soon be awarded for the construction of the Inlet Centre Station and Moody Centre Station plazas. A third contract will be issued to build the plazas for Coquitlam Central Station, Lincoln Station and Lafarge Lake – Douglas Station, with ground-breaking expected in May.

The plazas are the public areas around the Evergreen Line stations and will include pedestrian walkways, passenger pick-up and drop off spaces, transit connections, bike racks, landscaping, public seating, public art and, at some stations, bus loops and Park and Ride facilities.

“People who commute from the Tri-Cities region are very much looking forward to all the advantages that the Evergreen Line will offer,” said Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer. “It’s exciting to watch the trains being tested and the final stages of completion being put into place.”

The Evergreen Line stations have been designed to blend into their respective surrounding neighbourhoods, with a unique architectural look and feel. Station plaza areas are connected to the local community, and include features such as outdoor furniture, pavement treatments and lighting. Station plaza areas are designed with an enhanced sense of safety with open spaces and well-lit areas.

Station plaza construction will continue until fall 2016. Access to businesses and public transit, including bus exchanges and West Coast Express, will be maintained at all times. The Evergreen Line is expected to be in service in early 2017.

Learn More:

The Evergreen Line: www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca

Information in other languages is available at: www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca/languages.htm

Twitter: @TranBC #EvergreenlineBC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/evergreenline

For photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/sets/72157632226282626

A backgrounder follows.