$28-million Burnaby Lake pedestrian overpass above Highway 1 now open | Daily Hive

$28-million Burnaby Lake pedestrian overpass above Highway 1 now open, linking to Deer Lake Park trails

April 2026 completion and opening of the Burnaby Lake Overpass. (City of Burnaby)

North-south transportation in Burnaby — especially for those walking and cycling — has now been improved with the opening of the Burnaby Lake Overpass, a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge spanning the eight-lane Trans-Canada Highway.

The City of Burnaby officially opened the bridge to the public this past weekend, describing it as the municipal government’s first dedicated crossing designed specifically for active transportation. The overpass links the trails of Burnaby Lake Regional Park to the north and Deer Lake to the south, and improves access to surrounding neighbourhoods.

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The southernmost end of the overpass is near Claude Avenue in the Buckingham Heights neighbourhood, while the northern landing is located at the trailhead at Glencarin Drive.

Prior to the construction of this project, the Kensington Avenue interchange’s overpass crossing to the west was the nearest route option in the area, but it was considered challenging and unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists to use.

burnaby lake overpass april 2026 completion opening

Location of the Burnaby Lake Overpass. (Google Maps)

April 2026 completion and opening of the Burnaby Lake Overpass. (City of Burnaby)

“For decades, Highway 1 has been a major barrier for people trying to travel north-south through Burnaby,” said Burnaby mayor Mike Hurley in a statement.

“This new overpass creates a safe, direct alternative to the Kensington crossing and makes it easier for people of all ages and abilities to walk, cycle and roll between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake — and to the parks, trails, neighbourhoods and local destinations that make our city special.”

Accessibility is a key design consideration of the project. By taking advantage of naturally higher ground on both sides of the highway, the crossing maintains a nearly flat grade, eliminating the need for long or steep ramps. This design supports easier use for people with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.

As well, the overpass includes open sightlines and integrated lighting along the handrails to improve visibility at night without casting excess light onto the highway below. Additional protective design elements were incorporated to enhance the overall sense of security.

The overpass rises 5.7 metres above Highway 1 and spans a length of 72 metres. It was constructed by local firm Jacob Brothers using Canadian weathered steel, known for its durability and distinctive rust-like appearance.

April 2026 completion and opening of the Burnaby Lake Overpass. (City of Burnaby)

The project’s final cost reached $27.8 million — up slightly from the figure of $25 million at the start of construction. Funding for the project came from multiple sources, including over $8.6 million from TransLink’s Local Government Funding Program, $3.75 million from the federal government, and $3.1 million from the provincial government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Additional contributions were provided by the municipal government’s Community Benefit Bonus Reserve Fund.

“Through our Local Government Funding Programs, TransLink is proud to contribute more than $8.6 million to this project,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn.

“The new Burnaby Lake Overpass closes a critical gap in the Major Bikeway Network and supports our goal of making walking, cycling, and rolling a more convenient choice.”

Construction first began in early 2024, with the project reaching a major milestone in November 2025 of lifting the arched bridge span into place in an overnight operation that required an extensive full closure of Highway 1 in Burnaby.

April 2026 completion and opening of the Burnaby Lake Overpass. (City of Burnaby)

Burnaby’s municipal government is currently in the early stages of planning a potential new north-south pedestrian and cyclist bridge within the Brentwood district, spanning across the busy Canadian National railway.

Further to the east along the railway corridor, there is also construction progress on the new Holdom Avenue road overpass, which will replace the nearby Douglas Road at-grade crossing and effectively improve safety and reliability. This will be a brand-new overpass with four vehicle lanes — two in each direction — and protected wide bike lanes on both roadway directions, and a dedicated pedestrian pathway. This $200-million project, led by Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, is expected to reach completion in 2027.

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