Construction of the new Philip Avenue overpass south of West 1st Street in North Vancouver is now complete and will open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on July 6.

The new overpass in the North Shore Trade Area will decrease traffic congestion and improve safety by eliminating the Pemberton Avenue at-grade rail crossing. The Pemberton Avenue rail crossing will close to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on July 6. The project will make it possible to ship products through the area using longer trains, will improve access to terminal facilities for commercial traffic, and will reduce rail-car switching noise, and whistles. It will also improve the flow of up to 3,500 vehicles that pass through the area daily, including traffic bound for marine terminals, local businesses, and the Norgate community.

The North Shore Trade Area handles over 35% of all cargo volume through Port Metro Vancouver and is a critical export gateway to overseas markets, as well as a substantial economic generator in the marine, rail and trucking industries.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport –

“Transportation and distribution are a vital part of our local, regional and national economies. It’s critical that we provide for the smooth movement of people and goods to foster economic growth and take advantage of the trade opportunities offered by Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway. This project will increase capacity, reduce logistics costs and improve access for local industries, while providing a much safer and more efficient drive for shippers, tourists and other motorists.”

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness and MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, on behalf of Todd Stone, British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“The Philip Avenue overpass will greatly improve the flow of goods through the busy North Shore Trade Area, meeting our B.C. on the Move commitment to enable efficient ports and rail. This investment by government and industry shows how partnerships build infrastructure that enhances our transportation and trade links to important markets while improving safety and traffic flow in local communities.”

Richard Walton, mayor of the District of North Vancouver –

“The District of North Vancouver recognizes that industry in the lower Pemberton area is growing, and traffic flow is expected to increase significantly over the next few years. The new overpass will support that economic growth while addressing long-standing community concerns regarding traffic congestion, noise and air quality.”

Mike Cory, executive vice-president and chief operating officer, CN –

“Partnerships are key to ensuring the safe, ‎efficient goods movement that powers our economy. This project, achieved through collaboration between public and private sector partners, is a great example of the infrastructure investments needed to protect and create jobs in B.C. and Canada.”

Don Nonis, general manager, Vancouver Wharves, Kinder Morgan Canada Terminals –

“Kinder Morgan Canada Terminals Vancouver Wharves is pleased to see the Philip Avenue overpass project reach this milestone. The project is the culmination of many years of work to benefit our neighbours, customers and employees. It is an important part of a much needed supply chain upgrade that will contribute to driving the Canadian economy.”

(flickr.com)

Quick Facts:

• The total cost of the project is estimated at over $30 million, with a federal government contribution of up to $13.4 million under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund (APGCTIF). The remaining funding is from the Province of British Columbia ($10.1 million), the District of North Vancouver ($0.3 million), CN ($4.2 million), and Kinder Morgan ($2.1 million).
• The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI) aims to make Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway the best transportation network for facilitating global supply chains between North America and Asia. To date, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $1.4 billion in APGCI infrastructure projects, in partnership with all four western provinces, municipalities and the private sector, for a total project value of approximately $3.5 billion.

Learn More:

Philip Avenue Overpass project website – District of North Vancouver: https://www.dnv.org/property-and-development/philip-avenue-overpass

Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative: http://www.asiapacificgateway.gc.ca/