Cambie Bridge repairs choke traffic out of downtown Vancouver
Drivers in downtown Vancouver have faced gridlock approaching the Cambie Bridge this month as repair work reduces traffic to one lane in each direction.
Expansion joint seal repairs on the bridge deck started on November 19. The City of Vancouver’s website predicts the project will continue until July 31, 2025.
The City’s traffic impact map for construction projects cautions drivers to expect reduced speeds because of the lane closures. Pedestrians and cyclists could be detoured as well.
“If you are travelling in the area, plan ahead and expect delays,” the City said on its website. “Consider taking an alternate route or using transit.”
ā ļø TRAFFIC ALERT: Cambie Bridge rehabilitation work
š Bridge open both ways, with some lane closures
š¶š²Watch for pedestrian and cyclist detours
š Ongoing until spring 2025
Expect delays and plan ahead
Learn more: https://t.co/80zZRzxd4k#VanTraffic pic.twitter.com/NEbYxfgRjr
ā City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) November 26, 2024
One Daily Hive reader emailed in to say their commute has been extended because of the work. Going over the Cambie Bridge takes them three times as long as it used to.
“There were only a few workers working on a small section for the entire stretch of the bridge,” the driver said. “Cars were bumper to bumper.”
City of Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver will see an influx of visitors next month as popular singer Taylor Swift plays three shows at BC Place. It led the driver to question whether the City is prepared for the traffic impacts.
The highly anticipated Eras Tour is expected to welcome 160,000 fans over the three nights in Vancouver. It will also bring road closures to the downtown core.
The following roads will be closed from noon until midnight on December 6, 7 and 8:
- 700 and 800 blocks of Beatty Street between Smithe Street and West Georgia Street
- Pacific Boulevard from the Cambie Bridge off-ramp to Pat Quinn Way
- Northbound Cambie Street Bridge off-ramp
- 100 block of Robson Street between Cambie Street and Beatty Street.
The area surrounding BC Place will also be limited to ticket holders only.
The City is setting up designated passenger pick-up and drop-off zones, which drivers, taxis and ride-shares can use for up to three minutes. They will be located on Cambie and Hamilton streets from Smithe Street to West Georgia Street, along with Pacific Boulevard between Pat Quinn Way and Quebec Street.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
Google Maps shows it’s aware of the slower-than-usual traffic in the area, highlighting the area near the Cambie Bridge in red and orange.
Google Maps
“The City would like to remind those attending the concert or other events downtown to plan ahead and allow for extra time to get where they need to go,” a City of Vancouver spokesperson told Daily Hive. “Anticipate delaysāÆespecially near BC Place, Rogers Arena and Concord Pacific Place.”
The gridlock over the Cambie Bridge is new and unwelcome, but it’s likely to stick around for the next eight months until the project is completed in 2025.
Have thoughts to share on the Cambie Bridge traffic? Email us at vancouver@dailyhive.com
With files from Daily Hive’s Daniel Chai