One of the bridges to Vancouver’s downtown core will undergo a major seismic upgrade.
The project to upgrade the Cambie Street Bridge involves a more than $200-million investment from the federal and provincial governments, the city, and TransLink, with work expected to be completed by 2035.
Much of the work will take place around bridge supports below, but more lane closures are expected in the coming years.
A statement by the federal government explained, “Planned improvements include the innovative and effective use of seismic isolation bearings at all 65 bridge piers, modifying the existing expansion joints, seismically upgrading supports at each end of the bridge, and installing soil anchors to strengthen foundations. In addition to structural upgrades, the project includes transportation upgrades that support long-term sustainability and connectivity, and shoreline naturalization at the north end of the bridge that will pilot a new type of seawall construction designed to be more resilient to sea level rise and coastal flooding.”
The 41-year-old span is one of the busiest links downtown and, in the event of a major earthquake, is considered an important emergency response route.
Mayor Ken Sim says the project will build a more resilient Vancouver for “decades to come.”
“Keeping this route operational when it matters most could make a real difference for the first responders, essential services, and communities across this region. And this is exactly the type of investment that we need to be making as a city,” said Sim at a media event announcing the investment Thursday.
The Cambie Bridge handles over 13 million vehicle crossings annually, as well as pedestrian and active-transportation lanes.