Shovels Ready for Vancouver’s Broadway Subway Project

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The 5.7-kilometer (3.5-mile) Broadway Subway Project will extend from the SkyTrain Millennium Line’s existing VCC-Clark Station to a new station at Broadway and Arbutus.

The 5.7-kilometer (3.5-mile) Broadway Subway Project will extend from the SkyTrain Millennium Line’s existing VCC-Clark Station to a new station at Broadway and Arbutus.

Vancouver’s C$2.83 billion Broadway Subway Project is expected to move forward this year, extending the existing SkyTrain Millennium Line 5.7 kilometers (3.5 miles) and adding six stations—despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, the Province of British Columbia announced that construction would begin in the fall, with its award of a C$1.728 billion contract to the AccionaGhella joint venture to design, construct and partially finance the project. (In July, the joint venture was selected as the “preferred proponent team.” Click here for more.)

The new rapid transit service, continuing from the VCC–Clark Station, will run for 700 meters (766 yards) on elevated track before traveling 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) underground to the new Arbutus Station (see map above). From the Arbutus Station, riders can connect with the 99 B-Line bus service to the University of British Columbia; from the new Broadway-City Hall Station, riders can connect with the SkyTrain Canada Line.

British Columbia Rapid Transit, on behalf of TransLink, will operate and maintain the line, which is scheduled to open in 2025 and provide end-to-end service in 11 minutes.

Additionally, the Broadway Subway Constructors General Partnership (BSCGP) has selected Thales to provide its SelTrac™ Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling technology. Vancouver’s Expo, Millennium and Canada lines are already equipped with SelTrac™.

Transportation Investment Corp. (TI Corp) is leading the delivery of the Broadway Subway Project on behalf of the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. TI Corp will provide controls, practices and oversight work.

The Broadway Subway Project will be funded and delivered by the government of British Columbia, with contributions from the government of Canada and the city of Vancouver. It is a key part of the rapid transit program in metro Vancouver’s Mayors’ Council 10-Year Vision, which is funded by the governments of British Columbia and Canada, TransLink, and local municipalities.

“As we restore the economy through BC’s Restart Plan, major infrastructure projects like the Broadway Subway line will be key to our recovery,” John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia, said. “When completed, the Broadway Subway will transform how people get around in Vancouver. It will mean faster travel to work and school, better access to local business, and fewer cars on the road.”

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