TransLink, Canadian government take up SkyTrain improvement projects

TransLink and the governments of Canada and British Columbia are contributing more than $136 million (in Canadian dollars) toward three Metro Vancouver SkyTrain station improvement projects, which began this spring.

A $66.6 million project at the Commercial-Broadway Station calls for various upgrades, including construction of a new platform for westbound Expo Line trains, a new pedestrian walkway over Broadway, widening of the walkway providing access to north station platforms, new elevators and escalators, an expanded Broadway concourse, widened entrances to the Broadway Station and a new bike parking garage.

TransLink is providing $38.4 million toward the project, while the governments of Canada and British Columbia are covering remaining costs. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2017, according to a Transport Canada press release.

The entities also are undertaking a $57.8 million project at the MetroTown SkyTrain Station and Exchange, as well as a $12.3 million project at the New Westminster Station.

The former project includes a rebuilt east stationhouse, new center and west stationhouses, new escalators and stairs, and three new elevators. The New Westminster project calls for the replacement of the station's elevator and escalators, as well as improving lighting and visibility at the station, Transport Canada officials said.

"Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain system belongs to the citizens of this region. By leveraging the funding provided by our federal and provincial governments, TransLink's investment of approximately $68-million will strengthen public transportation and help our customers get where they need to go, safely and efficiently," said TransLink Vice Chair Barry Forbes.