As you may have noted in some of the major media’s reporting over the 2008 Transportation Plan, TransLink is going to start refurbishments on some of the busiest Expo Line stations. The original Expo Line, from Waterfront to New Westminster, is almost 30 years old, and it’s age is quite apparent. Compared to the architectural award winning Millennium stations, the Expo stations are something of an eyesore. Not only do they feature a cookie-cutter layout, but the design, while reminiscent of Expo 86, hasn’t quite stood the test of time as well as Science World or Canada Place.

But, as I said, things are about to change. According to official timelines, TransLink is supposed to start construction to refurbish both Broadway and Main St. stations this year, with completion dates near the end of 2009. TransLink also has major plans underway for Metrotown, and minor plans for Surrey Central and Edmonds.

This type of information isn’t exactly widely available, partially the media’s fault, and much more a larger problem of poor communications by TransLink to the community (they really should hire someone to do that considering it would definitely boost their rep quite a bit). However, I wanted to share what I’ve learnt the plans are and what the current schedule is. I think it will be interesting to look back at this post as the months go by to see if the new TransLink still suffers from “TransLink time”.

Broadway Station

  • New station entry at 10th Avenue (including new stair to platform)
  • Moving the existing elevator and adjacent electrical service shaft from the north to the south platform
  • New escalator at mid-station, replacing one side of the existing mid-station staircase
  • Expanding concourse at ground level south to 10th Avenue
  • Providing a temporary extension of the roof canopy over the full platform length
  • Replacing metal mesh screens with glass panels on the concourse level

Timeline

  • Feb. 28, 2008 - 50% of Detailed Design Submission for Station Upgrades and Conceptual Design Options for Major Capacity Improvements
  • March 2008 - Public Consultation
  • April 15, 2008 - Present Final Detailed Design Cost Estimate to the GVTA
  • April 30, 2008 - Present 100% Detailed Design Submission to the GVTA
  • May 15, 2008 - Provide Issued to Tender documents to the GVTA
  • June 1, 2008 - Provide Building Permit to the GVTA
  • June, 2008 - Construction Tender Period
  • August 1, 2008 to August 15, 2009 - Construction Period

Conceptual Designs

Main St. Station

  • New stairs, escalators and elevator at the East station, with fully enclosed station entrance including ticket vending machines at the mezzanine level
  • New entry on the West side, including up escalator and stair directly from mezzanine to bus stop on West side of Main Street
  • Upgraded entry on south face of station (West side) along Terminal Avenue with an up escalator and stair
  • Modifications to station roof
  • Replacing metal screens with glass panels
  • New extended bus shelters (canopies) along Main Street

Note: The East side upgrades are to progress independently and before upgrades to the West side

Timeline

East side

  • April 1, 2008 - Start Detailed Design
  • May 1, 2008 - Present 50% Detailed Design Submission to GVTA
  • June 2008 - Public Consultation
  • June 20, 2008 - Present 100% Detailed Design Submission to GVTA
  • July 4, 2008 - Provide Issued to Tender documents to GVTA
  • July 21 to August 18, 2008 - Construction Tender Period
  • July 21, 2008 - Provide Building Permit to GVTA
  • August 25, 2008 to April 10, 2009 - Construction Period

West side

  • August 1, 2008 - Start Detailed Design
  • September 15, 2008 - Present 50% Detailed Design Submission to GVTA
  • October 31, 2008 - Present 100% Detailed Design Submission to GVTA
  • November 15, 2008 - Provide Issued to Tender documents to GVTA
  • January 1 to February 15, 2009 - Construction Tender Period
  • February 15, 2008 - Provide Building Permit to GVTA
  • March 15 to October 1, 2009 - Construction Period

Conceptual Design

Sphere: Related Content