Vancouverites can now enjoy a new seawall path between Creekside in Olympic Village and Science World starting on Friday, May 23.
The new seawall connection has two wide, separated side-by-side paths for pedestrians and cyclists. The western half of the new path is asphalt, and the eastern portion over the deck has a "compacted gravel surface," similar to Vanier Park's seawall, according to a City of Vancouver news release.
“The Seawall is beloved by Vancouverites, and I am thrilled to see this new path open just in time for summer,” said Mayor Ken Sim.
“A big thank you to the hardworking crews who got it done safely and quickly, and to everyone who patiently used the detours over the past few months.”
Previously, pedestrians and cyclists to the Seaside Greenway used a temporary detour as the city worked to identify a new path.
Expo Deck under long-term deconstruction
The new seawall path was designed for long-term use while the city continues its long-term plan to safely deconstruct the Expo Deck. The part of it that is currently closed will not reopen, and the city asks that the public obey signage instructing them to stay out of closed areas.
The Expo deck was intended for temporary use at the 1986 World Expo (it was built in 1984). The city planned to close and deconstruct it in 2028 to begin working on a new permanent waterfront park design. However, the deck's aging structure made it unsafe for public use.
In February, the city closed the Expo Deck south of Science World, including the portion of the Seawall path on the deck structure.
