Historic Vancouver Overpass Closed Indefinitely, Disrupting Student Routes
The iconic Militant Mothers of Raymur pedestrian overpass in East Vancouver has been closed indefinitely following safety concerns identified during a recent inspection. This sudden closure is forcing students from Admiral Seymour Elementary School and area residents to take significantly longer routes to cross the active railway tracks that bisect the Strathcona neighbourhood.
Safety Concerns Prompt Immediate Closure
According to a statement from the City of Vancouver, the pedestrian bridge at 600 Raymur Avenue was shut down out of "an abundance of caution" after a consultant identified "an area of potential concern" during an inspection. The teal-colored overpass spans an active north-south railway line that separates the school from nearby residential areas.
"We don't want kids crossing an unsafe bridge," said Dan Jackson, president of the Strathcona Residents Association. "But we also don't want the overpass to go unprioritized by the city, like the tennis courts at Strathcona Park have been closed for years after a sinkhole in aging infrastructure."
The city has installed temporary detour signs but has provided no timeline for the overpass's reopening. Officials acknowledged the importance of this pedestrian connection and stated they "will work to have the overpass returned to use as soon as possible."
Legacy of Community Activism
The closure comes more than 50 years after East Vancouver mothers first fought for this vital pedestrian connection. In 1971, approximately two dozen mothers living at the nearby Raymur Place social housing complex grew increasingly concerned about their children's safety while crossing the active railway tracks to reach Admiral Seymour Elementary School at 1130 Keefer Street.
After years of unsuccessful negotiations with the City of Vancouver and the Great Northern and Canadian National railways, these determined mothers took direct action. They staged several blockades in front of trains, refusing to move until federal officials agreed to build a safe pedestrian crossing.
Their persistent advocacy earned them the name the Militant Mothers of Raymur. In recognition of their efforts, the city officially renamed the bridge from the Keefer Street Pedestrian Overpass to the Militant Mothers of Raymur Overpass in 2019.
Broader Impact on Community
The overpass closure is affecting more than just students. According to Jackson, many local residents rely on the bridge during their daily commutes. "That overpass is still used a lot by children living in Stamps Place social housing (formerly called Raymur Place) to get that one block to and from Admiral Seymour Elementary School, both in the morning and after school," he explained.
The Militant Mothers' legacy extends beyond the overpass itself. After securing the pedestrian bridge, these community activists continued their advocacy work, pushing for a co-op food store and helping establish the Ray-Cam community centre at Stamps Place.
The current closure highlights ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure in Vancouver's historic neighbourhoods and raises questions about maintenance priorities for essential community assets.
