Traffic pattern changes coming to busy downtown Vancouver area this weekend

Traffic pattern changes are coming to Gastown as the City of Vancouver prepares to implement its pedestrian-zone program in the busy downtown area.

According to a news release from the city, changes will start this weekend, on Sunday, May 25, when it starts piloting two-way traffic on Cordova Street from Gore Avenue to Richards Street.

The area will be fully closed from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Saturday so that crews can finalize work before implementing the traffic pattern.

“The change to two-way circulation is expected to improve vehicle access for Gastown area residents, visitors and service providers and support smoother traffic movement to downtown on Sundays throughout the summer,” stated the City.

This comes a few weeks ahead of the Sunday Water Street pedestrian zone, which will come into effect on June 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays between Richards and Columbia Streets, until Aug. 31.

The pedestrian zone started as a pilot project last summer, and the City said this year the program will explore “bigger city-wide events” as well as more community-focused days.

First day of the Water Street Pedestrian Zone in Gastown on June 28, 2024. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)

The City is also working on making the public spaces on Water Street more inviting for visitors and residents, even when traffic is flowing through the area, by adding different seating options, wider sidewalks in some areas, placemaking elements at “key points” along the street, and an eastbound painted bike lane from Richards Steet to Alexander Street, with a shared westbound lane.

There will also be storytelling and cultural elements shared by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement that he’s “thrilled to see Gastown come alive again this summer.”

“This is another big step in our commitment to revitalizing this iconic neighbourhood, and I can’t wait to see everyone out enjoying it.”

This year’s Water Street Sunday pedestrian zone will run until August 31.

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