TransLink begins three SkyTrain station improvement projects

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Jeremy Andrews

TransLink is in the beginning stages of upgrades to three SkyTrain stations in Vancouver, British Columbia, to improve accessibility, capacity, safety and security. Construction work began at Metrotown, Commercial-Broadway and New Westminster stations this spring.

 

“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,” stated Todd Stone, British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The CA$66.6-million (US$51.1 million) Commercial-Broadway Station upgrade is expected to be complete by spring 2017. The Canadian government is contributing CA$9.4 million (US$7.2 million), British Columbia is contributing CA$18.8 million, (US$14.4 million) and TransLink is contributing CA$38.4 million (US$29.4 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 CA$57.8-million (US$44.3 million) Metrotown SkyTrain Station and Exchange upgrade is expected to be complete by December 2017. The Canadian government is contributing CA$11.6 million (US$8.9 million), British Columbia is contributing CA$23.2 million (US$17.8 million) and TransLink is contributing CA$23 million (US$18 million) towards 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 center 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 CA$12.3-million (US$9.4 million) New Westminster Station upgrade is expected to be complete by summer 2016. The Canadian government is contributing CA$2 million (US$1.5 million), British Columbia is contributing CA$4.1 million (US$3.1 million) and TransLink is contributing $6.2 million (US$4.7 million) towards 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.

“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,” said James Moore, Minister of Industry and member of Parliament for Port Moody — Westwood — Port Coquitlam.

 

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