A section of East Broadway in Vancouver, specifically between Quebec and Main streets, has been shut down starting at 7 a.m. on Monday due to ongoing construction for the Broadway Subway Project. Drivers are being rerouted along East Eighth Avenue for a period of four months while the road is reconstructed above the newly built Mount Pleasant station.
The Broadway Subway Project aims to expand TransLink’s Millenium Line network from the VCC-Clark Station to Arbutus Street, incorporating six new underground SkyTrain stations. However, the closure of East Broadway has faced opposition from local businesses concerned about the impact on customer traffic to their shops.
As per a news release regarding the closure, there will be turn restrictions in place on the East Eighth Avenue detour, with varying regulations throughout the day, managed by traffic control staff on-site. The release advises drivers passing through the area to consider alternative east-west routes to minimize delays for public transit and maintain access for local traffic.
During the closure, sidewalks along East Broadway will remain open, ensuring continued access for businesses, services, and residents. Following the four-month period, one lane in each direction will initially reopen, with all lanes set to be accessible by the summer season, as per the news release.
Construction activities near the closure site are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, involving tasks such as backfilling, road repairs, crane operations, trucking, saw cutting, welding, and landscaping. Expect increased noise levels in the vicinity.
To manage the traffic flow, the news release states that police presence will be initially deployed along with neighborhood ambassadors to assist pedestrians and cyclists in navigating the area. Additional signage and designated zones will also be implemented for passengers and deliveries.
The closure and construction activities are essential steps in the ongoing development of the Broadway Subway Project, aimed at enhancing Vancouver’s public transportation infrastructure and connectivity.
