Drivers will have to plan different routes through Downtown Vancouver starting Monday.
A closure will be put in place to support the temporary pedestrian zone on Granville between Davie and Georgia until the end of July.
Jane Talbot, president and CEO of Downtown Van (BIA), says businesses are hopeful the closure will bring in large crowds and help drive up revenue during the tournament.
“People can expect extended patios, some buskers, tons of public art, and selfie stations. It’ll be a great place to come down and take in the energy of the World Cup,” said Talbot.
She says while the road closure starts Monday, the extended patios and public art will be set up starting Thursday and last for 39 days until July 19th.
Related articles:
“One of the primary reasons that we have wanted to do the Granville pedestrian zone is to bring people down to Granville Street,” Talbot said.
“To either introduce themselves to the street or reintroduce themselves to the street and in doing so, support our small businesses, support our restaurants and pubs.”
She says businesses along the Granville Strip that have been struggling a lot lately are hopeful the uptick in foot traffic will help bring more people through their doors.
“There are still a couple of permits that we’re waiting to hear about,” said Talbot.
“But overall, we know that we have 28 extended patios approved for the over the five blocks. Some of the businesses are showing games inside.”
If you’re driving in and out of the downtown core, you’ll have to use Seymour and Howe streets to get on and off the Granville Bridge.
The city says dedicated bus lanes will also be installed along Howe and Seymour to improve transit times in the area.
1130 NewsRadio will be right there with you during the World Cup with the very latest updates in traffic every ten minutes on the ones.