View Full Version : SkyTrain Station Renovations | Metro Vancouver | Proposed & u/c


mr.x
August 29th, 2007, 09:22 AM
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SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES FOR BROADWAY, MAIN STREET, AND METROTOWN SKYTRAIN STATIONS

Translink, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, intends to conduct significant upgrade to three high volume SkyTrain stations along the Expo Line - Broadway, Main, and Metrotown stations.

These stations play a central role in the transportation network and currently experience significant access and capacity constraints. Demands on these stations will continue to grow with expansion of the regional transit network, regional population growth and land use change around the stations.
Translink has recently completed design work for these three stations that, when implemented, will allow the stations to meet current and future ridership demands. These major station upgrades will be completed by the end of 2009, prior to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Given the importance of these station to the network and the limited time available for construction, a Phasing Strategy for these projects is critical to the successful implementation of the station plans. The Phasing Strateg will manage system and operational impacts and maximize cost and time effieciencies gained from taking a coordinated approach to the upgrades.



ARCHITECTS

Broadway Station: Via Architecture/Stantec Architecture
Metrotown Station: Busby Perkins & Will Architects
Main Street-Science World Station: Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects





Broadway Station
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/83/233967569_d27f3d2b52.jpg?v=0




Metrotown Station
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d6/MetrotownStation.jpg/250px-MetrotownStation.jpg






Main Street-Science World Station
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1273/567697914_20b0e540d2.jpg?v=0





Metro Vancouver Rapid Transit Map (2011)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/db/SkyTrain_Future_V2.png

mr.x
August 29th, 2007, 09:54 AM
BROADWAY STATION REDESIGN

The planned Broadway Station renovations can be summarized as follows:

1) Station entrance on Broadway
- Remove existing 2 coiling grilles,
- Remove elevator,
- Relocate eletrical riser next to new elevator
- Install 2 new coiling grilles,
- Create a CRU

2) Centre stairs
- Reduce the width of the stairs, and install a new escalator

3) Centre of the station
- Accommodate the exist from Safeway and provide connection between Safeway and Station fire alarm systems
- Extend the concourse space by enclosing the currently exterior space to the south of the station
- Extend the concourse space by replacing west wall by glazing,
- Create 2 CRU's

4) South of the Station
- Remove existing emergency stairs,
- Create new stairs,
- Install a new elevator,
- Install 2 new coiling grilles.

5) General improvements
- improved lighting,
- improved signage/wayfinding,
- new flooring,
- replacing metal mesh screens with glass panels.

6) Other
- expanded passarelle between Broadway and Commercial Drive Stations
- expanded entry to Commercial Drive Station from Commercial Drive
- integration of adjacent paved area and implementation of customer amenities.

7) Cost
- $25 million



New South Entrance
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Concourse level
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Platform level
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mr.x
August 29th, 2007, 10:49 AM
METROTOWN STATION REDESIGN

Starting in January 2006, Translink and the City of Burnaby hired a team of consultants to recommend options for upgrading Metrotown Station, the second highest ridership SkyTrain station in the greater Vancouver region. The team engaged a variety of stakeholders from both agencies, along
with representatives from SkyTrain and Coast Mountain Bus Company. A Station Assessment report was completed, “Metrotown SkyTrain Station Transit Village Plan – Site Assessment & Design Concepts Report.” That report identified five key issues for the station plan to address:

• Ridership at Metrotown Station exceeds the existing station capacity, and ridership is projected to grow.
• No direct, accessible paths are provided at the station from any direction.
• The bus loop does not meet existing capacity needs and presents pedestrian safety hazards.
• The superblock pattern of development at Metrotown reduces the station catchment area, particularly to high density housing to the north.
• The streets throughout the station area are oriented toward automobiles only and do not support high levels of walking.


In addition the site assessment recommended more detailed analysis of the following design options:


A) STATION BUILDING

1) West Entrance
- Improves circulation and expands capacity, including both vertical circulation and platform capacity.

2) Lengthened platform
- To improve the utility of a new west entrance, the platform may be lengthened by 20 metres to the west.

3) South platform
- Possible means to expand vertical circulation and platform capacity, but introduces operational, wayfinding and circulation challenges.

4) Expanded Mezzaine
- Connecting the east Station House to the existing elevator can provide accessible connection to passarelle and mall.
- Connecting the existing elevator to a future Station Square passarelle can provide an accessible connection to the mall.

5) Passarelle
- The existing passarelle to Metropolis can be widened to improve capacity
- A new passarelle can connect the existing elevator to Station Square.
- A new passarelle could connect a new west station house to a redeveloped Station Square

6) Bus Exchange
- Narrow Exchange: In this option, buses are looped around the station
building, with a new bus-only road between Central and Beresford. The BC Parkway would be routed on a dedicated path between the busway and Beresford.
- Wide Exchange: In this option, buses are looped around the station building, with a new bus-only road between Central and Beresford. The BC Parkway would be routed on a dedicated path between the busway and Beresford.

7) Bus Layover
- Central/Beresford: Buses laying over would be provided curb spaces
alongside the BC Parkway along Central and/or Beresford, immediately adjacent to the bus exchange
- Bus Loop: The existing bus loop would be used for layover.

8) Cost
- $25.071 million



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Station Area Strategies
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Planning Area Strategies
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Recommended Upgrade Elements

There is a package of station improvements that clearly meet the study’s technical requirements and evaluation criteria. These include:

• Lengthened platform. The original Metrotown Station was designed to allow the platform to be lengthened to the west, in acknowledgement that this would be a high ridership station. Lengthening the platform allows trains to be staggered at the station, reducing crowding from passengers waiting to board trains. Lengthening the platform also puts the base of the stairs and escalators for a new west entrance precisely at the middle of a relocated bus exchange.

• West Station House. This is critical for two primary reasons: 1) It balances loads of passengers waiting for trains on the platform, relieving current crowding at the east end of the platform, and 2) It provides critical additional vertical circulation to the platform with out compromising passenger circulation on the platform through additional mid-platform stairs and escalators. A new West Station House strongly complements a lengthened plat form and relocation bus exchange.

• New elevators. The existing elevator is slow, opaque and inefficient. It would be replaced by a pair of modern, transparent elevators located at the new midpoint of the lengthened platform, allowing the existing elevator to remain in place during construction. The new elevators would provide redundancy, allowing one to maintain access to the platform while the other was closed for maintenance.

• Improved East Station House. Once the new West Station House is completed, the existing East Station House can be modernized. It would be made level with the passarelle, eliminating the existing steps. It would also be made more transparent, as in the Millennium Line Gilmore Station.

• Improved passarelle. The existing station passarelle would be widened and made more transparent to provide better passenger comfort and personal security. Stairs at the east Station House would be eliminated. The passarelle would also be redesigned to highlight the regional significance of the Metrotown station and area.

• Station roof and enclosure. A redesigned station roof and enclosure would not only provide weather protection for the entire length of the platform, but also provide more transparency and mark the station as a major landmark.

• Bus exchange. The bus exchange would be moved out of the current bus loop area and routed around the station itself. The bus loop would be maintained for bus layover, and as an important bus stop serving the front door of Metropolis.

• BC Parkway Improvements and urban plaza. Separated bicycle and pedestrian paths are included through the station area, connecting to continuous paths being implemented between New Westminster and Vancouver. At the station, care is taken to address conflicts between through cyclists and transit passengers. A very high level of design amenity is provided at the ground level to ensure both the functionality of the space as a major transit exchange, as well as a destination in its own right, as one of the symbolic “front doors” of Burnaby.

• Neighbourhood connections. Improved pedestrian access is provided on all sides, connecting to Maywood, ground level destinations north of Central, and second level destination at Metropolis and the MetroTowers.



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mr.x
August 29th, 2007, 11:17 AM
MAIN STREET STATION REDESIGN

In December 2006, Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects + Urbanistes, BTY Quantity Surveyors Ltd., and Earth Tech Consulting Engineers were engaged by Translink to undertake schematic design and costing for renovations to the Main Street Expo Line Skytrain Station.

Key Design Considerations
• Enhancement of elevator and escalator access to the east end of the platform.
• Improving visual and experiential connections between the bus pick up and
drop off points (on both sides of Main Street) and the station entries.
• Enhancement of the mezzanine level on the west side of the platform.
• Enhancement of general pedestrian flow on both sides of the platform.
• Enhancement of adjacency challenges with respect to adjoining retail and residential space on the west side of Main Street.
• Improving the urban design condition.
• Increasing the revenue opportunities for the station if possible.
• Improving the platform experience.
• Enhancing the station’s overall architectural, visual and experiential qualities.



Design Solution

Skytrain/Bus Connection Improvements
- The design proposes extended canopies (bus shelters) on both sides of Main Street to enhance links between the Skytrain and the bus loading and offloading. In addition, stairs and escalators are reoriented to face Main Street.

Eastside Improvements
- A new station house is provided on the east side with reoriented two stage escalators, an elevator, and an architecturally unique oval security screen.

Westside Improvements
- A re-alignment and addition of an escalator onto the eastern face of the platform provides a direct visual link between the vertical circulation to the mezzanine level and the major bus offloading and loading point. The existing south facing entry will be upgraded with the an escalator and stairs will be
replaced. New retail space will be inserted along the Terminal Avenue street front.

Platform Improvements
- The existing platform remains intact with the exception of the east end addition. Architectural improvements include a clip-on to conceal the existing truss structure and a new glass safety barrier to replace the existing chain link barrier.

Cost
- $9.693 million




Preferred Option

The preferred option was then developed in terms of architectural form.


1) Skytrain/Bus Connection Improvements

In order to enhance the links between the Skytrain and the bus loading and offloading points on both side of the street, the preferred design proposes extended canopies (bus shelters) on both side of Main Street. The intention of these canopies is to allow transferring passengers to move under cover
from the bus to the Skytrain station and vice versa. In addition, in order to enhance these links, stairs and escalators are reoriented to face Main Street on both the west and east side of the platform.


2) Eastside Improvements

The insertion of a new station house on the east side with reoriented two stage escalators, and elevator, and an architecturally unique oval security screen is proposed. This accommodates the enhanced functional requirements for both escalators and elevators, minimizes the platform extension, and provides a dramatic architectural statement of station enhancement.



3) Westside Improvements

On the west side, a re-alignment and addition of an escalator on to the eastern face of the platform provides a direct visual link between the vertical circulation to the mezzanine level and the major bus offloading and loading point. While this design requires the reconfiguration of the existing Starbucks, it will enhance pedestrian flow and visual links between the bus passengers and the Skytrain entry. In addition the existing south facing entry will be upgraded with the addition of an escalator and the replacement of the stairs. Finally, new retail space will be inserted along the Terminal Avenue street
front. These new commercial spaces will enhance revenue opportunities and provide an inhabited streetscape along Terminal, while reducing the number of overhung dead spaces. This will have a positive impact from a CPTED perspective.


4) Platform Improvements

After reviewing several alternatives, it was decided that the most cost effective solution was to maintain the structure of the existing platform intact. This meant that there could be no increases (with the exception of the eastside escalator and elevator) to platform access capacity. Because of the nature of the existing station geometry any substantial increase in platform size would be extraordinarily costly. Consequently the focus was on an appropriate configuration of enhanced access at the street and mezzanine level. However, the east side enhancements would provide a much more effective way of accessing a somewhat undersized platform.

The design proposes a clip-on to conceal the existing truss structure of the platform roof. The intention of this clip-on is that there be a visual transformation of the canopy of the Main Street Station without any structural interventions. The agenda would be to create an aluminum face to the north and south side of the existing canopy structure. A lighting feature would be incorporated in this face. The clip on would allow the preservation of the existing skylights.

In addition, one of the weakest design aspects of the existing station is the chain link safety barrier. This is both visually unacceptable and does not provide any screening for the adjoining residences. The preferred design proposes a replacement of the chainlink fence with a glass railing. This glazing
could also provide a dramatic signage opportunity indicating both the name of the station and that of adjoining areas or buildings such as Southeast False Creek and/or Science World. The new barrier would also resolve the ongoing problem of neighbor complaints about lack of privacy.

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Proposed Ground Floor Plan
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Proposed Mezzaine and Eastern Landing Floor Plans
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Proposed Platform Floor Plan
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aberrate
August 29th, 2007, 11:52 AM
Awesome, thanks for the updates. I'm not a huge fan of the proclamation of "MAIN STREET STATION" on the well, main street station, but the overall look is more modern. It's about time stations on the Expo Line get a bit of a refreshing to complement the Millennium and Canada Lines.

The_Henry_Man
August 29th, 2007, 06:13 PM
The big "Main Street Station" sign posted on the wall of the glass glazing is just too cheesy.

Nutterbug
August 29th, 2007, 08:02 PM
^ I think it's meant to be more visible than pretty.

Huhu
August 29th, 2007, 08:27 PM
A new skybridge to Station Square from Metrotown Station would really help that area out a lot, it seems pretty dead right now.

spyro
August 30th, 2007, 02:30 AM
good news.. its about time for some renovations

the new skybridge for metro is gonna be a good idea.. its too crowded now with just one

and i think just having the words 'main street' would be better.. to emphasis that the main street area

noob(but not really)
August 30th, 2007, 03:04 AM
Fascinating stuff.




Metro Vancouver Rapid Transit Map (2011)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/db/SkyTrain_Future_V2.png

^^ Why does the Millenium Line do that big circle. I always thought it looks random and weird, as if it was done haphazardly.

But I'm not familiar with Vancouver travel patterns. So maybe there's a reason for it.

Could someone answer my question?

Thanks.

mr.x
August 30th, 2007, 03:12 AM
good news.. its about time for some renovations

the new skybridge for metro is gonna be a good idea.. its too crowded now with just one

and i think just having the words 'main street' would be better.. to emphasis that the main street area

I think the font is too big. If that's size 64 font (for example), it should be size 20 font instead.


Why does the Millenium Line do that big circle. I always thought it looks random and weird, as if it was done haphazardly.

The Millennium Line shares guideways with the Expo Line. The first two trains on the Expo Line go to Surrey while the third train switches tracks at Columbia Station to travel on the Millennium Line towards VCC Station.

noob(but not really)
August 30th, 2007, 03:26 AM
The Millennium Line shares guideways with the Expo Line. The first two trains on the Expo Line go to Surrey while the third train switches tracks at Columbia Station to travel on the Millennium Line towards VCC Station.

So it's more of a separate 'midtown' line. Gotcha.

Could it eventually be extended to meet up with the Canada Line, and possibly go beyond?

nova9
August 30th, 2007, 04:25 AM
Could it eventually be extended to meet up with the Canada Line, and possibly go beyond?

I don't see how because as I recall, the tracks are different as the Canada Line uses a completely different train/car. Perhaps the Millenium Line will be extended to include the Westside but I don't think the Mline and the Canada Line can be integrated or amalgamated.

I like the Main Street Station sign, perhaps not that large a font but I like the style and the idea behind it. It makes it seem almost a destination unto itself, sorta like the signs that say "CENTRAL" in hong Kong's MTR, they're iconic.

mr.x
August 30th, 2007, 04:56 AM
Yea, SkyTrain can never be linked up to the Canada Line. SkyTrain uses a linear propulsion system while the Canada Line uses standard third rail like most systems in the world.

It's unfortunate that Waterfront Station isn't deeper, otherwise the Canada Line could potentially be extended to the North Shore in the future.

Nutterbug
August 30th, 2007, 06:06 AM
It's unfortunate that Waterfront Station isn't deeper, otherwise the Canada Line could potentially be extended to the North Shore in the future.

Or maybe they can invent amphibious trains by then. :D

spongeg
August 30th, 2007, 07:35 AM
i love the big font at main street and the words

very modern :)

i would like to see more of that kind of thing

mr.x
August 30th, 2007, 07:41 AM
I'm a little disappointed Broadway Station isn't getting an entirely new roof, being the busiest station on the network.

noob(but not really)
August 30th, 2007, 05:11 PM
No, I never said run on the same tracks. Obviously the lines have different technologies, and there would be no point to such a line since Millenium already goes downtown.

I meant, could it one day meet the Canada line at a transfer station like 33rd for example, and possibly continue on to the Westside?

Has there been discussion about it at least?

Vanlaw
August 30th, 2007, 05:41 PM
Fascinating stuff.

Why does the Millenium Line do that big circle. I always thought it looks random and weird, as if it was done haphazardly.

I always thought this was a little strange in terms of signage and train destination names when you are at a station. It makes sense if you live here and know how it works, but if i were a tourist, it would be rather confusing.

I have travelled on many systems worldwide, even when signs etc. arent in english all of them are navigatable. This one is just wierd. They seem to have clued into this as the announcement at broadway station has been changed in recent months to "transfer point for commercial drive station". Could have been better set out I think.

mr.x
August 30th, 2007, 07:55 PM
^ yea, we finally have that message. "The next station is Broadway - transfer point for Commercial Drive Station - please change here"

we need something like that for Waterfront too, to announce the SeaBus and WCE interchange.



I meant, could it one day meet the Canada line at a transfer station like 33rd for example, and possibly continue on to the Westside?

Has there been discussion about it at least?

In a few years, hopefully, the Millennium Line will be extended to UBC (westside) along Broadway and the Canada Line's Broadway-City Hall Station will meet up with the M-Line at its Cambie Station.

There has been quite a bit of discussion about this, in fact this M-Line extension should've been completed last year but was deferred in favour of the Canada Line instead.

officedweller
August 30th, 2007, 10:01 PM
^^ Why does the Millenium Line do that big circle. I always thought it looks random and weird, as if it was done haphazardly.

The "circle" is the result of sharing the operations and maintenance yard on the Expo Line (located at Edmonds Station).
If the line had been LRT or a different technology, it would have stopped at Lougheed Town Centre Station in the first phase, and would have been extended to Columbia in the future.
The route from Lougheed Town Centre Station to Columbia is intended to allow Coquitlam to Surrey travel without having to travel downtown - yes - like a crosstown line.
Switches between lines at Broadway & Commercial was not feasible because the Expo Line is elevated and the M-Line is in a trench and the resulting structures would have been unsightly - plus it would have caused too much disruption to tie in the switches at that location.

noob(but not really)
August 31st, 2007, 09:11 PM
Thanks, guys.

And that M-Line extension just seems so natural.

spongeg
September 2nd, 2007, 02:07 AM
^ yea, we finally have that message. "The next station is Broadway - transfer point for Commercial Drive Station - please change here"

we need something like that for Waterfront too, to announce the SeaBus and WCE interchange.





In a few years, hopefully, the Millennium Line will be extended to UBC (westside) along Broadway and the Canada Line's Broadway-City Hall Station will meet up with the M-Line at its Cambie Station.

There has been quite a bit of discussion about this, in fact this M-Line extension should've been completed last year but was deferred in favour of the Canada Line instead.

i don't think it will ever be extended all the way - isn't the current plan to extened to at least granville and than have busses go to UBC from the new terminus?

mr.x
September 3rd, 2007, 02:51 AM
i don't think it will ever be extended all the way - isn't the current plan to extened to at least granville and than have busses go to UBC from the new terminus?

Well there's certainly more than enough ridership to have it extended all the way to UBC. Nothing's official right now, we don't even know the technology of it....but I would be shocked if it's not SkyTrain. Translink's Broadway extension study won't be out until 2009 i think.

It'll certainly cost quite a bit though....$1.2 billion for completely underground?

Vancouverite
September 3rd, 2007, 03:04 AM
There are a couple of different scenarios:

-If the Millennium SkyTrain Line is extended then it will likely be a phased programme. Phase 1 would likely terminate at Granville st. or more likely, to Burrard or Arbutus streets. The 99 B-Line would continue from the Western Terminus to UBC. Phase 2, if undertaken, would probably extend the Millennium SkyTrain Line to UBC.

-If the Broadway Rapid Transit planning process chooses LRT then it would probably run from Broadway-Commercial Drive SkyTrain stations to UBC along Broadway in a central dedicated right of way.

My hunch is that it will be a Millennium Line extension using SkyTrain technology and it will run under tenth to Arbutus with stations entering off of Broadway. It would be built as a cut & cover process from Cambie Street West and by bored tunnel from its portal off of False Creek Flats to Cambie. Stations would be built in the footprint of the streets linking 10th and Broadway. An extension to UBC would probably follow within a decade but I doubt it would happen at first. Even though UBC is a huge destination it is also has to travel long distances through primarily single-family home neighbourhoods devoid of significant employment concentrations. Arbutus to UBC is approximately 7km and that would likely be in the billion dollar range. Don't get me wrong, I think it should be done, but I think a more likely route would be an eventual LRT/Street line from Arbutus to UBC along Broadway & 10th. Such a line would integrate well into a transit node at Arbutus that could also include a line south along the Arbutus corridor and along the Fraser, linking up with the Canada SKyTrain Line and then on through the East Fraser Lands to New Westminster. The Downtown Vancouver Streetcar could eventually be extended to Arbutus.

officedweller
September 3rd, 2007, 05:59 PM
One of the main problems with going to UBC would be the location for a Phase 2 staging area for a tunnel boring machine (unless they go with cut and cover). I agree that Broadway west of Arbutus is suitable for a surface LRT (moderate traffic volumes), but I don't know whether you'd be able to have a high enough frequency to serve UBC-bound passengers (due to number of trains and number of train drivers).

nova9
September 3rd, 2007, 08:11 PM
My other concern with any possible UBC extension of the M-line is on how it affects overall bus ridership to UBC. As it stands, a Broadway corridor LRT or whatever would really only serve to replace the 99 Bline and the various atennaed buses heading to UBC. I hope such an extension does not take away from the other bus routes that head to UBC.

What would be great to be to have a smaller streetcar extending towards UBC starting from wherever the M-line gets extended to. And then to have UBC also served by another LRT or streetcar operating along the Arbutus corridor. Wouldn't that just piss of the creme-de-la-creme?

Plumber73
September 3rd, 2007, 08:57 PM
^^ I don't think streetcars would be too much of a problem. It's the big guideways and crime associated with skytrain that people are fearfull of most.

TheTruth
September 4th, 2007, 07:45 PM
And then to have UBC also served by another LRT or streetcar operating along the Arbutus corridor. Wouldn't that just piss of the creme-de-la-creme?

We should also build a new YVR runway so that the planes land/take off above Shaughnessy
:lol:

spongeg
September 6th, 2007, 01:37 AM
theres that park just below the marine drive mansions in south vancouver and you can hear the planes really loudly there when they take off

zonie
September 6th, 2007, 05:21 AM
Interesting how they note how expensive it would be to extend the Science World platform (and so they won't be). I guess they don't plan on going to 8 car trains anytime soon. The extended Metrotown platform looks like it'll be long enough though.

mr.x
October 20th, 2007, 01:12 AM
Station poised for $25M refit

By Leslie Dickson
NewsLeader

Oct 18 2007

Metrotown SkyTrain Station is set to get a $25 million facelift.

The expansion would address overcrowding on the SkyTrain station platform, an overtaxed transit exchange below the station off Central Boulevard, and poor bike and pedestrian access to the station among other issues.

Key upgrades outlined in the Metrotown Transit Village Study presented to Burnaby council Monday include:

• A new roof and enclosure for Metrotown SkyTrain Station, as well as an extended platform

• New westbound station access;

• Upgrades to the east entrance;

• A rebuilt passarelle, or passageway, to the station;

• New elevators; and

• A new transit exchange/public plaza under the SkyTrain station.

Improved signage and access for people heading to and from Metrotown SkyTrain from Kingsway and the Maywood and Grange residential neighbourhoods are also proposed.

The report notes TransLink has budgeted $25 million for improvements to the Metrotown SkyTrain Station in its 2008 Financial Plan. Metrotown is among TransLink’s three busiest SkyTrain stations, along with Burnaby/Commercial in Vancouver and Surrey Central.

Specific details will be brought forward in future reports, in partnership with TransLink and other groups. The Metrotown SkyTrain station refit would require TransLink to bring forward a rezoning proposal to the City of Burnaby to go ahead.

Coun. Nick Volkow, chair of Burnaby’s transportation committee, welcomed the major refit to the SkyTrain station.

“It’s long overdue,” Volkow said Wednesday. “Nothing’s really been done to it since it opened in maybe ‘83 or ‘84.”

Volkow noted the proposed extended platform would allow passengers to board a six-car train, or three of the recently redesigned cars, reducing the wait time for commuters.

The refit to the station also provides an opportunity to fix problems that have been an issue since the beginning, including the transit exchange below the SkyTrain station.

“We’ve been quite fortunate there haven’t been any major accidents between buses and people,” said Volkow.”

Volkow added one of the major things missing not just at Metrotown, but at every SkyTrain station, is public toilets, the lack of which could be deterring seniors and mothers with small children from taking transit.

“This is the 21st century. I think we should get with the program,” said Volkow.

Other TransLink transit improvements expected for Burnaby soon are B Line service between SFU and downtown Vancouver, and expanded service for the #130 route between Metrotown and North Vancouver, and #25 route between Brentwood mall and UBC.








Metrotown station bursting at seams
Study says $25 million in work needed to upgrade Skytrain Station

Brooke Larsen, Burnaby Now
Published: Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Burnaby's Metrotown SkyTrain station is bursting at the seams and needs more than $25 million in upgrades.

That's according to a transit study funded by the City of Burnaby, TransLink and the federal government that highlights overcrowding at the station. Released this week, the study calls for a longer platform and wider walkways, along with improved access for cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchairs.

TransLink is expected to pay for the upgrades, with some help from the city and the province.

City councillors will consider the plans - still in the early stages - at a council meeting Oct. 22. In 2005, council agreed to share the cost of the $150,000 study with TransLink and the federal government.

The study shows growth and development in Metrotown has stretched capacity of the SkyTrain station, causing overcrowding and blocking access for bikes.

"The centre platform, escalators, ticketing concourse and elevators are undersized to meet current demand," the report states.

"Current crowding of the station platform during peak periods does not allow bikes to access the system."

The report also points out that the overhead walkway from the bus loop to the station is crowded and not accessible to those in wheelchairs. The walkway is now used by 40,000 people each day.

Coun. Sav Dhaliwal, who sits on the city's transportation committee, said he's glad to see so many people using transit.

"Obviously, we are victims of success," Dhaliwal said in an interview Tuesday.

But he believes the station needs major upgrades to make transit safer and more inviting to users.

"The station needs to be looked at in terms of accessibility - I don't think it really handles the volume of people safely."

The report calls for a redesigned station roof and enclosure similar to those on the Millennium Line, along with an extension of the station platform to boost capacity.

Plans also include the replacement or improvement of the existing overhead walkway so that it could be used by wheelchairs.

New elevators, upgrades to the east station entrance and a new mezzanine, a new bus loop and a possible second overhead walkway connecting Metropolis to the upgraded station are also part of the plans.

The study also looked at boosting access for pedestrians and cyclists, calling for improvements to pedestrian and cyclist routes.

Dhaliwal said Burnaby could start a trend by including public washrooms at the station.

"I think it would make travellers more comfortable," he added.

TransLink's 2008 financial plan includes $25 million for the station upgrades, the report states. Additional funding could come from the city and province. If design starts this fall, construction could follow in 2008.

Changes would be advanced through rezoning applications from TransLink.


© Burnaby Now 2007

deasine
October 20th, 2007, 09:19 AM
I'm completely shocked (in a good way) of Metrotown Station. It's funny, I was complaining to TransLink three days ago that I had:
(A) No response whatsoever to my Broadway Station question about Transit Villages
(B) And no news about any Transit Village when they were long overdue

And now all of a sudden BOOM! Overwhelming! Thanks for posting this Mr. X. I love the Metrotown Renderings... look very promising. How would they actually "stagger" at Metrotown... Hmm...

Broadway Station seems dissappointing. And they were supposed to focus on Broadway-Commercial Drive Stations and not just Broadway alone... I noticed that the pedestrian walkway between Broadway and Commercial Drive didn't expand either... No new roof too... sigh... oh well at least something's happening.

Did anyone have any idea Main St. will get a new design? I think it's very nice, just the Main St. Station like all of you said earlier. I like the sliding curve doors =D Wouldn't a similar design for Aberdeen Station would look nice? Blend it into Aberdeen Center more? =D

Thanks again Mr. X. Too bad Skyscraperpage is down AGAIN... post all of this up too when you have time. I'm sure there will be many long but interesting discussions. I'm interested to see officedweller and SFUVancouver's response =D

spongeg
October 21st, 2007, 02:42 AM
“It’s long overdue,” Volkow said Wednesday. “Nothing’s really been done to it since it opened in maybe ‘83 or ‘84.”

didn't skytrain only start in 1986?

Allen2
April 17th, 2009, 05:20 AM
Yes! I saved this thread from the bottom of the page....

the windows are in and a lot of electrical work is being done in the new south entrance. pictures are taken today 16 april
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3447804689_a74164eca1.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3448606492_ae2610a633.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3447801401_f46b7d478c.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3447796581_ddfe9a7458.jpg?v=0

Hot Rod
April 28th, 2009, 12:21 PM
what station is this?

clooless
April 28th, 2009, 07:22 PM
Broadway. The pictures are of the new 10th Avenue entrance.

spongeg
April 29th, 2009, 02:58 AM
yes its looking good

should be open this summer?

Allen2
April 29th, 2009, 05:56 AM
yes its looking good

should be open this summer?

looks like it will be in time for that

Mr.A
May 5th, 2009, 08:44 PM
just stop by the station and this is the progress as of May 4th

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3505306154_7d88725e03.jpg?v=0

new stairs and elevator shaft, south entrance

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3382/3504503599_f09fbf7826.jpg?v=0
new floor north entrance

Allen2
May 6th, 2009, 12:31 AM
Thanks for the updates!

The entrance is looking good!

Mr.A
May 18th, 2009, 02:37 AM
if you think that the reno started in November there is not much visual progress overall.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3540950436_a9f06fd05d.jpg?v=0
new tile floor looking towards Broadway ,today 17th may

Allen2
May 18th, 2009, 05:01 PM
We just hope that it gets done....

Mr.A
May 31st, 2009, 11:36 PM
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3582329145_bdb1904519.jpg?v=0
roof addition south
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3582316245_472e619bd5.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3583130202_dd863ce189.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3582324999_2a77d5e182.jpg?v=0

Allen2
June 1st, 2009, 01:56 AM
Nice! Thanks for the pics!

Mr.A
June 21st, 2009, 05:31 AM
today June 20th
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3644408501_450e67b710.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3645214792_6100f490df.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3645213214_b451d0fe41.jpg?v=0

Mr.A
July 11th, 2009, 02:32 AM
with new lights and new white panels the station is looking brighter and clean
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3707886541_234e901f5c.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3707887703_aff9d045f4.jpg?v=0

Yellow Fever
July 11th, 2009, 08:23 AM
Thanks for the update! Mr. A.

Allen2
July 13th, 2009, 03:50 PM
thanks mr.A ~ always providing us with some best shots!

Mr.A
July 23rd, 2009, 12:04 AM
the new escalator has arrived
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/3746811289_25d3576c33.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/3746815021_bb4504ccdb.jpg?v=0
old elevator has been removed
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3747608814_45db9309de.jpg?v=0

Allen2
July 23rd, 2009, 11:12 PM
^^ thanks for the update....they did change the plans didn't they?

Allen2
July 24th, 2009, 04:23 PM
Dunsmuir tunnel work is finished early this summer

http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/customeralert-train.jpg

Well look at that — the Dunsmuir tunnel project (http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2009/07/downtown-skytrain-riders-look-out-late-evening-maintenance-work-in-skytrains-dunsmuir-tunnel-runs-july-13-24/)finished up its summer work two days early, completing on Tuesday of this week!

This means there will be no service impact tonight or on Friday—that’s right, no more taking shuttle trains in downtown Vancouver after 9:45 p.m.

However, as I mentioned in my earlier post (http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2009/07/downtown-skytrain-riders-look-out-late-evening-maintenance-work-in-skytrains-dunsmuir-tunnel-runs-july-13-24/), please be aware that this was a pilot project, and more work is planned for the fall.

Currently, SkyTrain is estimating that the work will take 12-14 weeks in the fall, likely from mid September through mid December. I’ll post the details as soon as they tell me more.

I should also mention that the earlier Dunsmuir tunnel post had a fun discussion about where the old tunnel can be seen today, plus its history.

Ian S., Robert, and ;) clued us into some spots: here’s a photo (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1450184094078111255CTtrVe)of the east tunnel by Costco on Beatty St (plus a map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=49.278529,-123.111725&daddr=&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=49.278434,-123.111522&sspn=0.002621,0.005676&ie=UTF8&ll=49.27834,-123.111527&spn=0.005242,0.011351&t=h&z=17) of that location). Ian S. also provided some great info on its historical route. If you’re curious, check out the original post comments starting here (http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2009/07/downtown-skytrain-riders-look-out-late-evening-maintenance-work-in-skytrains-dunsmuir-tunnel-runs-july-13-24/#comment-13610)!

Jhenifer Pabillano | July 23, 2009 2:16 pm


http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2009/07/dunsmuir-tunnel-work-is-finished-early-this-summer/

Mr.A
July 24th, 2009, 07:07 PM
.they did change the plans didn't they?

YES!!!!!

Mr.A
August 5th, 2009, 07:33 AM
to completion. the steps are being added, the escalator is in and the elevator is being assembled.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3791417066_6bae18ff31.jpg

Allen2
August 5th, 2009, 04:47 PM
thank you for the pic!

Yellow Fever
August 6th, 2009, 08:14 AM
They both love sky train stations.


Btw, thanks for the pic, Mr.A!

spongeg
August 7th, 2009, 09:05 PM
looks good

Greco Roman
August 8th, 2009, 12:26 AM
Can some one please let me know if the sky train is running to the airport yet? And can you connect to this link with all skytrain links in the Vancouver area?

Thanks!

spongeg
August 8th, 2009, 01:34 AM
its opens August 17th at 1 pm to 9pm - real full time service starts august 18th ;)

you can connect at waterfront station - in the day you could connect at granville vancouver city centre station but a lot of walking through malls and stores (the bay) is required unless you go above ground and use the streets

Mr.A
September 9th, 2009, 02:23 AM
that the reno is not completed in time for the back to school rush. Still it looks a lot better than before.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3901524663_f59944313b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3901524687_31bb4105cb.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3901524675_95c2195d20.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3901524683_1a489fa537.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3901524655_cfb1766d06.jpg

spongeg
September 29th, 2009, 01:05 AM
the south entrance looks great it looks close to opening

shangri_la
October 14th, 2009, 06:20 AM
http://www.translink.ca/en/About-TransLink/Media/2009/October/New-10th-Ave-entrance-at-Commercial-Broadway-Stn.aspx

Looks like it's open now!