The Government of B.C. is getting ahead of the game by planning a study on the future of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge.
It is also looking at the possibility of building high-capacity rapid transit to the North Shore across the Burrard Inlet, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure told the Journal of Commerce (JOC) in an email.
“While the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge has decades of serviceable life remaining, the future of this crossing is an important consideration for the province,” reads a news release.
“This year, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will begin an in-depth study of the Second Narrows Crossing, which will assess current conditions and begin planning for the long-term future of this crucial connection to the North Shore.”
The Ironworkers Memorial Bridge is essential for moving people, goods and services, with roughly 125,000 trips made every day on the structure, the ministry said, adding the bridge was opened in 1960.
The ministry told the JOC the study would be done with input from various North Shore communities.
The future of the bridge could contain the introduction of the first high-capacity rapid transit line connecting the North and South Shores across Burrard Inlet.
Back in 2020, the province completed a technical feasibility study for a rapid transit crossing that resulted in five potential options, three of which would require the construction of a new tunnel and two that would require a new bridge.
“People living in North Vancouver are eager to embrace socially, environmentally responsible ways to travel that allow them to beat the traffic,” said Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, about the study she headed.
Linda Buchanan, mayor of the City of North Vancouver, said building rapid transit connections with the North Shore is essential for community vibrancy and movement.
The possible transit options include a tunnel under the first narrows with the transit line running from downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale, a tunnel from Brockton Point to Lonsdale, and a tunnel connecting Waterfront Station to Lonsdale with tracks running to Park Royal.
The bridge options would see a new bridge built over the second narrows, where the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge currently sits.
Mike Little, mayor of the District of North Vancouver, said rapid transit would solve issues for residents and create opportunities for growth.
“Transportation reliability for residents and businesses, including getting to and from work, is the most critical issue for our community. The potential routes located on the eastern side of North Vancouver not only create an opportunity to integrate with affordable homes and popular destinations, but also areas with future growth potential,” Little said.
“Our community is looking for changes to reduce traffic congestion, so it’s exciting to see progress coming from the feasibility study and co-ordinated efforts between different levels of government. We understand transportation is a top priority and all of our efforts are focused into solving this longstanding issue.”
The ministry said the study has been used to guide long-term planning for the mayors’ council and municipalities.
The study was funded by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the districts of North Vancouver and West Vancouver, and the cities of Vancouver and North Vancouver.
TransLink oversaw the technical work and are “currently studying the preferred technology and other details for a dedicated transit crossing of Burrard Inlet,” said the ministry.
“The ministry will continue to work with our partners to improve accessibility, connectivity, and affordability for the people living, working and enjoying their free time in the North Shore.”
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