VANCOUVER—The Burrard SkyTrain Station in downtown Vancouver is getting a major upgrade.
TransLink announced it is embarking on a two-year project to renovate the station starting in 2022. TransLink stated to do the work safely and efficiently it will have to completely close the station for the project’s duration.
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. TransLink explained station entrances are hard to access and the station will require upgrades to the electrical equipment in order to meet the power demands of the new station.
The upgrades to Burrard Station include: 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.
“These significant upgrades are necessary to keep our transit system operating effectively and efficiently for our customers,” said TransLink interim CEO Gigi Chen-Kuo in a statement. “With more than 7.6 million annual boardings in 2019, Burrard Station is the fourth busiest station on our SkyTrain network. These upgrades will greatly improve the customer experience and as the region prepares to welcome one million new residents by the year 2050, this important project allows us to be prepared for additional future demand.”
Chen-Kuo noted the closure will reduce safety risks, minimize rider confusion, boost the speed of the project and save $35 million.
Recent Comments
comments for this post are closed