High costs derail SkyTrain station upgrades

VANCOUVER—High construction costs are sending TransLink back to the drawing board for Burrard Station upgrades.

TransLink announced Burrard Station upgrade plans have been cancelled and are being rescoped due to higher than anticipated construction bid prices during the procurement process. The group stated the decision was due to ongoing pressures in the construction industry caused by global supply chain issues and higher construction costs.

Had the upgrades gone ahead the station would have been closed for two years during construction. However, the station will remain open until new plans are finalized. TransLink stated it will prioritize upgrades to ensure the station remains in a state of good repair.

“TransLink will continue working with Indigenous Nations, stakeholders and government partners to ensure the station receives necessary upgrades and operates efficiently for years to come,” said the group. “The next step is to develop a new scope, budget and construction timeline. TransLink will communicate details when they are known.”

Burrard SkyTrain Station was originally built in 1985 and has not ever had significant upgrades. It is the fourth busiest station on the SkyTrain system and at peak times it is congested with only three escalators and one elevator to move people in and out.

The upgrades to Burrard Station would have included: doubling the number of escalators and elevators to provide greater accessibility and relieve congestion on platforms and at the concourse level; relocating the Burrard Street entrance to align with the pedestrian crossing making it easier to get in and out of the station, and to provide better access to buses along Dunsmuir; redesigning the station’s outdoor plaza to put pedestrian needs at the forefront; and upgrading the station’s power supply and mechanical systems.