The Burrard SkyTrain Station in downtown Vancouver is set to get a major upgrade beginning in early 2022.
TransLink announced the two year project will require the closure of the station to allow the work to be done safely and more efficiently during construction.
Burrard SkyTrain Station was originally built in 1985 and has not had a significant upgrade in its 36 years of operation. 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. 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 will:
- Double the number of escalators and elevators to provide greater accessibility and relieve congestion on platforms and at the concourse level;
- Relocate the Burrard Street entrance to align with the pedestrian crossing making it easier to get in and out of the station, and provide better access to buses along Dunsmuir;
- Redesign the station’s outdoor plaza to put pedestrian needs at the forefront; and,
- Upgrade 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. “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.”
According to TransLink, closing the station during construction will improve customer and work safety; reduce overall construction construction time for the project; and provide cost savings of approximately $35 million.
