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New bike lane construction on Cambie Bridge set to begin this weekend

Work to add a new dedicated bike lane to the west side of Cambie Bridge is slated to start this weekend.

Work to add a new dedicated bike lane to the west side of Cambie Bridge is slated to start this weekend.

“The number of people choosing to walk or cycle over Cambie Bridge has increased in the last decade,” Jerry Dobrovolny, general manager of engineering services, said in a press release. “By creating a new southbound cycling lane on the bridge, and separating the walking and cycling on the east side of the bridge, the bridge will be safer and more comfortable for people to use.

 Vancouver city council earlier this year approved a plan that will add an interim southbound protected bike lane to the Cambie Bridge. Construction is slated to start on Saturday, June 2. Photo Dan ToulgoetVancouver city council earlier this year approved a plan that will add an interim southbound protected bike lane to the Cambie Bridge. Construction is slated to start on Saturday, June 2. Photo Dan Toulgoet

He added that the changes are “relatively inexpensive, and will have minimal impact on motor vehicle flow.

“At either end of the bridge motor vehicle travel lanes will remain the same as they are today and overall vehicle capacity will remain unchanged.”

The changes include: a new southbound protected bike lane along the west side of the bridge and the West Second Avenue off-ramp using temporary concrete barriers; a painted line to separate walking and northbound cycling on the east path; and, improvements to connections at the south end of the bridge.

Vancouver city council approved the interim improvements in January.

The report from staff noted that the number of cyclists using the bridge has increased significantly in the last several years. The city typically does a bike count every June and the number of cyclists using the shared path that month has increased from 38,000 in 2010 to 71,000 in 2017.

Construction is slated to start Saturday and should be complete by the end of June.

The city said the work will be coordinated with special events in the area and road closures will generally take place outside of peak afternoon travel times and at night to minimize the impact on traffic, and access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained as much as possible.

“Longer term solutions to improve walking and cycling conditions on the bridge will be considered following changes to the street network associated with the Northeast False Creek Plan moving forward.

For up to date information on road closures visit vancouver.ca/roadwork or check the VanConnect app.

Read more from the Vancouver Courier