Four lanes of traffic have reopened on Broadway between Main and Quebec in Vancouver, providing some relief for commuters. However, more SkyTrain extension-related closures are expected in the coming weeks, according to city officials.
Details of the Reopening
The reopened stretch of Broadway had been closed since early May for utility work tied to the SkyTrain Millennium Line extension. Crews completed underground relocations ahead of schedule, allowing the lanes to reopen Thursday evening. The city confirmed that sidewalks and bike lanes remain accessible, but some local road restrictions persist.
Upcoming Closures
Despite this progress, drivers should prepare for additional disruptions. Starting next week, a new phase of construction will close a section of Broadway near Cambie Street for approximately three weeks. The closure is necessary to install support structures for the elevated SkyTrain guideway. Detours will be in place, and transit users may experience delays on bus routes that serve the area.
“We understand these closures are frustrating, but they are essential to complete the SkyTrain extension on schedule,” said a TransLink spokesperson in a statement. The project aims to extend the Millennium Line from VCC-Clark to Arbutus, with a target completion date of 2027.
Impact on Traffic and Transit
The Broadway corridor is a major east-west artery, carrying over 50,000 vehicles daily. The city advises commuters to allow extra travel time or use alternative routes such as 12th Avenue or Kingsway. TransLink has increased service on the 99 B-Line and other bus routes to mitigate the impact.
Local businesses have expressed mixed reactions. Some report reduced foot traffic during the closures, while others note that the long-term transit improvements will benefit the area. “It’s been tough, but we know the SkyTrain will bring more customers in the future,” said a café owner on Broadway.
Broader Context
The SkyTrain extension is part of a $2.8 billion investment in Vancouver’s transit infrastructure, funded by all three levels of government. Once complete, it is expected to reduce travel times and congestion along the Broadway corridor, one of the busiest transit routes in North America.
