TransLink invests $23M in roads, sidewalks and bike lanes

TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond has announced plans to invest $23 million into local transportation infrastucture across Metro Vancouver, from Bowen Island to Langley.

The 51projects chosen for funding include improvements to roadwaysand the expansion of bike lanes and pedestrian paths. The fundingis part of the Mayor's Council 10-Year Vision for transportation, with more funding to come in the next two years.

Desmondsaid the aim of thefunding is to decrease congestion and make it easier to walk and bike across communities.

"These improvements will build uponexistingconnections to improve accessibility for all users," said Desmond.

Five of the 51 projectswill be inVancouver, which all focus on improving bike lanes and pedestrian walkways on busy routes.

• TransLinklist of all 51 projects chosen for funding

These includethe construction of separated bike areas along the 10thAvenue corridorandnew sidewalks near theJoyce-CollingwoodSkyTrain.

A look at some of the new planned bike lanes in Metro Vancouver

7 years ago

Duration 0:17

These are just a few examples of the upcoming changes to infrastructure in the region

Other projects include widening a cross-island pathway on Bowen Islandand connecting the Spirit Trail throughWest Vancouver.

Surrey will see64th Avenue widenedalong some sections, and Richmond will have several new multi-use pathways along No. 2 Road and the Westminister Highway.

Quick turnaround for projects

WhileDesmonddid not know how long these projects will take, he said that construction would not cause major disruptions.

"Each of these projects will havevery different schedules," he said.

"These aremodestprojectsco funded by thecityandTransLink, and I think they aremeantto be done relativelyquickly forinfrastructure-type projects."

Many of these projects are already underwayand some are already near completion.

At theKnight and South East Marine Drive intersection, construction has begun to improve cycling and pedestrian access, which is slated to be finished later this fall.