The City of Vancouver plans to convene a community panel to determine the best route for a new arterial road and overpass through the False Creek Flats.

The city says a new arterial road and overpass is needed due to delays at the Prior/Venables crossing. A recent analysis determined the crossing experiences an average of 12.5 blockages a day at around 6.5 minutes each. CN Rail recently increased rail traffic on the route.

It’s hoped the new route and overpass will enhance safety and help alleviate congestion, as well as support Vancouver’s role in Asia-Pacific Gateway trade by reducing the impact of rail movement on arterial traffic.

The new arterial road should also help ease traffic volumes on Prior and Venables through the Strathcona neighbourhood, as well as provide access to the future site of the new St. Paul’s Hospital. It will also connect with the new Pacific Boulevard.

Three options are under consideration:

Option 1: National Avenue

The National Avenue option runs along the north edge of the new St. Paul’s Hospital site, past Trillium Park and along Thornton St, onto National Ave to Chess Dr. The overpass begins at Chess Dr, through the Fire Training Facility, overtop the railway track, Vernon Dr, and aligns with Grant St to connect with Clark Drive.

Key challenges

Requires a longer structure to span the rail yards

Wouldn’t operate well for driving, cycling, walking, or transit, due to the proximity to E 1st Ave at Clark Dr

Impacts the National Works Yard and requires relocating the Chess Street Fire Training Facility and Heavy Urban Search and Rescue site. These facilities would be expensive to relocate and rebuild and no suitable alternative properties have been identified.

Option 2: Malkin Avenue

The Malkin Ave option runs along the north edge of the new St. Paul’s Hospital site and on the existing alignment of Malkin Ave. The overpass begins at Raymur Ave, passes over Glen Dr, the railway tracks, Vernon Dr, and aligns with Charles St to connect with Clark Dr.

Key challenges

Removes part of the Cottonwood Community Gardens that are within the street right-of-way

Restrict truck operations of several Produce Row businesses that currently back-in to loading bays and block the street

Option 3: William Street

The William St option was dismissed in an early phase of exploration due to its impact to Strathcona Park. During engagement on the other options, project partners impacted by the Malkin St option requested that we consider it as an option. This option runs along the north edge of the new St. Paul’s Hospital site, on the existing alignment of Malkin Ave, and through Strathcona Park between Chess St and Raymur Ave. The overpass begins at Raymur Ave, passes over Glen Dr, the railway tracks, Vernon Dr, and aligns with William St to connect with Clark Dr.

Key challenges