July 29, 2015 – Vancouver, British Columbia
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 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 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 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.
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.
Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250-356-8241
TransLink Media Relations
778-375-7788
media@translink.ca
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