New bike lane on Richards Street in downtown begins to take shape (PHOTOS)
The first phase of the new Richards Street bike laneĀ in downtown Vancouver is progressing relatively quickly, just six months into construction and after a brief suspension of the work due to COVID-19.
The northernmost span of the bike lane over a three city block stretch from West Cordova Street to Dunsmuir Street is now largely complete, with the new separated bi-directional bike lane built on the east side of the street.
- See also:
This design reconfigures Richards Street — a southbound-only roadway — from two traffic lanes to just one traffic lane. Under the configuration, 85% of the curbside vehicle parking stalls on both sides of the street will be retained.
Before:
After:
Other upgrades include protected intersections, new traffic signals, sidewalk improvements, street repaving, one block of sewer upgrades, and the relocation of four existing Mobi bike share stations and the installation of two additional stations.
The City of Vancouver’s plan also call for a net gain of 100 new trees, and stormwater tree trenches that help reduce rainwater runoff.
The 11-block-long bike lane along Richards Street will be completed in two phases, with the first phase between West Cordova Street and Nelson Street scheduled to reach completion later this summer.
The second phase between Nelson Street and Pacific Street will commence construction this summer for a completion in spring 2021, which will replace this section’s 2013-painted bike lanes on the west side of the street.