[officedweller]

Originally Posted by Metro-One

I would think they would make Venables St. a priority for a vehicle and pedestrian underpass/overpass. It really is one of the best routes to leave downtown, the Georgia Viaduct ends on Prior which becomes Venables.

That's the next one - they call it the Prior/Malkin overpass.

I'm not sure of the routing, but from the name, it sounds like the overpass would be built to the south of Prior/Venables off of Malkin Ave. so the structure and isn't close to the residential areas on Prior.

Powell Street overpass proposed to increase rail capacity

By Gerry Bellett, Vancouver SunFebruary 12, 2009

A traffic overpass on Powell Street is being proposed by the City of Vancouver’s engineering services to enable another east-west rail line to be constructed along the city’s waterfront, increasing rail capacity in the area.

The overpass could cost as much as $30 million to build if a cost-sharing agreement can be reached between the city and Transport Canada, said a report from staff, which will be dealt with by city council on Tuesday.

It would be built near Raymur Avenue, where the Burrard Inlet rail line crosses Powell, just east of where Powell merges with Cordova Street.

The report says the overpass could be funded through the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, although to be eligible it would have to be built by 2014.

According to the report, Transport Canada was in the process of completing its wide-ranging South Shore Trade Area Study to assess future road and rail systems, proposed terminals and land developments, and identify bottlenecks in transportation systems and the infrastructure needed to enhance rail and terminal operations.

One of its major recommendations would be to to build the Powell Street Rail Grade Separation, said the report.

“At this time Transport Canada is seeking support in principle to proceed with the grade separation on Powell Street,” it said.

If council agreed in principle then negotiations between the parties regarding funding could commence.

“Should an acceptable funding agreement be reached, staff will commence additional consultation with community, business and other interests,” it said.

The Powell Street overpass is also a component of the city’s proposed False Creek Flats rail corridor strategy, which is designed to improve the connection between the 95-acre False Creek Flats rail area and the waterfront two kilometres to the north.

This plan calls for the Powell Street overpass and a second traffic overpass at Malkin Avenue at an estimated cost of between $40 million and $60 million.

For bike routes, the plan proposes an overpass or underpass at Union Street and Venables Street and also one at the Central Valley Greenway.

This plan also calls for the closing of a number of industrial streets at the north end of the corridor.

gbellett@vancouversun.com

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