Granville Bridge as early candidate for new bikeways

Following up on the Granville Bridge bikeway, City Council investigates on the condition of the bridge before implementing the new bikeways.

• SEE ALSO:
  • Granville and Cambie Street Bridge bike lanes soon to be a reality?
  • Heatmap options for bikers and runners in Metro Vancouver
  • Dutch Way of bike lane design solves problem of left and right turns: a lesson for Vancouver?

Granville Bridge (since 1954) sustains approximately 60 years of usage, as it stands the structure will need several upgrades before the city can act on creating the new bikeway.  Granville Bridge will receive bearing replacements, upgrades to the expansion joints, and increasing the seismic resilience of the structure.

Image: City of Vancouver Transportation 2040

The Transportation 2040 Plan identifies the False Creek crossings as significant gaps in the pedestrian network to be addressed. The plan identifies the Cambie and Granville bridges as early candidates for new all ages and abilities (AAA) cycling routes. Public consultation and option development will take place in the coming years, with detailed recommendations referred back to Council.

Image: City of Vancouver Transportation 2040

Image: City of Vancouver Transportation 2040

According to City of Vancouver, by 2040 at least two-thirds of all trips will be made on foot, bike, or transit.  Granville Bridge is deemed a Potential 2015-17 AAA Route. This signifies the expansion of high standard local street bikeways and separated bike lanes.  Other early candidates are shown below.

Image: City of Vancouver Transportation 2040

In regards to further design development, City Council will work with stakeholders to refine Active Transportation concepts for all False Creek Bridges

• Develop coordinated maintenance/transportation strategy and detailed design – early 2014
• Incorporate strategy in 10 year capital outlook and future 3 year capital plan processes

Precedents of bridge bikeways in other cities include Brooklyn, Oakland, Portland, Seattle and the future of the Sixth Street Viaduct in Los Angeles.

Image: HNTB Sixth Street Viaduct in Los Angeles

Image: City of Portland Veterans Memorial Bridge

Image: City of New York Brooklyn Coastline

Image: City of Oakland Bay Bridge Bike Path

Featured Image courtesy of City of Vancouver