FAQ

Once constructed, the Broadway Subway will be integrated with the regional transit network and operated and maintained by TransLink.

Planning and analysis on this line have been underway for many years, and included the City, Province, TransLink and the region’s mayors as part of the Mayors’ Council. A decision was made by the mayors to fund and build rapid transit to UBC in two phases based on available funding. Funding is in place for the Broadway Subway Project, which is defined from VCC-Clark to Arbutus, with completion in 2025.

The City, TransLink and UBC are involved in a planning initiative to extend the subway to UBC. In the meantime, the Arbutus Street terminus will be designed to allow for future rapid transit expansion to UBC.

Construction is anticipated to start in fall 2020 with the line in service in 2025. The Broadway Subway Project will be mainly constructed by underground tunneling methods. Street-level construction can be expected in areas and blocks where stations will be constructed, and at each end of the line.

The Project will use some properties adjacent to above-ground station locations for off-street work and storage areas to support construction of the underground stations. This will help keep construction activity off Broadway and adjacent streets as much as possible to mitigate disruption and manage safety for people on foot, wheels or bikes, and in vehicles.

There will be excavation required to construct the stations, which will be covered to allow people to move through the corridor.

The Project will be built using a Community Benefits Agreement to help employ locals, women, Indigenous people and others traditionally underrepresented in the trades, and increase B.C.’s skilled and diverse workforce.

Generally, there will be three lanes of traffic in each direction along Broadway, with one lane dedicated solely for buses (99 and 9 routes). In station construction areas, generally two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction for buses and other vehicles on Broadway, with the exception of Broadway at Main Street, where there is less room.

Construction of each underground station is anticipated to take approximately two years, and is expected to include approximately one block of excavation, which will be covered to allow traffic to move through the corridor.

Construction at the tunnel portal near Great Northern Way and Thornton Street will be active throughout the duration of construction.

Pedestrian access, including access for people of all abilities, will be maintained to local businesses, residences and medical services. The 10th Avenue cycling route will be maintained. During construction, the Project will reroute sections of the Arbutus and Central Valley greenways to safe cycling detour routes.

We will provide ongoing updates about any construction-related changes to local businesses, offices and the public in advance, through traffic news outlets, social media and our website.

The project team is engaging closely with businesses on and adjacent to Broadway regarding construction, access and signage and completed an initial survey in 2019. The information gathered, along with technical requirements, will inform the traffic and construction management and mitigation plans.

A comprehensive communications and community and business relations program will be in place to:

• Provide timely information about the Project, including construction, traffic and parking information.
• Work with local businesses and residents to mitigate construction impacts where possible, and help manage issues as they arise.
• Work with the community to promote alternative travel choices during construction.
• Work with local businesses to maintain visibility and help customers access their shops and services

Currently, parking is restricted on Broadway for about seven hours each weekday, in the morning and afternoon peak periods, with the curb lane dedicated to buses, taxis and cyclists.  We anticipate this will be extended 24/7 to support the efficient movement of buses and all traffic throughout the construction period.

The Broadway Subway Project is working with the City of Vancouver to develop a parking management plan to address residential and business parking needs.