Westwood Street Rail Crossing Improvements Project

Upgrading the rail crossings along Westwood Avenue were identified as a priority through a collaborative planning process by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Transport Canada, TransLink, B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council.

The project includes:

• Studies and preliminary work for a possible Westwood Street underpass to cross the rail line
• Studies and preliminary work on options for a possible Kingsway Avenue underpass or overpass to cross the rail line

The port authority is now working with Indigenous groups, municipalities, and other stakeholders to advance project design, technical studies, and community engagement.

Project benefits

The port authority has a positive track record of delivering high-quality projects based on best practices in sustainability, environmental protection, and engagement. Anticipated benefits of this project include:

	Improved public safety by reducing the risk of collisions between trains and people walking, cycling, and driving		Reduced congestion by improving mobility for local residents
	Better emergency response for police, firefighters, and ambulance to get to incidents faster and more easily		Reduced emissions and energy consumption by eliminating vehicle wait times at train crossings
	More reliable commute times by removing rail crossing delays		Increased local supply-chain job opportunities through Canada’s growing trade needs
	Reduced train noise by separating rail crossings to reduce train noise		Accommodating trade growth by increasing capacity to move Canadian products to foreign markets, and foreign products to Canadian consumers, safely and more efficiently

The port authority will also work with the local community and Indigenous groups to identify opportunities for:

Public space improvements by adding Indigenous cultural recognition, public art, and native species into landscaping plans

Improved connections for walking and cycling by enhancing pedestrian walkways at rail crossings

Timeline

• 2017 – Project submitted to the National Trade Corridors Fund for funding
• 2018 – The Government of Canada through the National Trade Corridors Fund grants funding for studies and design planning of crossings
• 2021 – Pending results of early studies and design planning, the port authority will pursue additional funding for construction

Timelines are subject to change

Project partners

Successfully delivering this project will require strong collaboration with the City of Port Coquitlam, City of Coquitlam, local Indigenous groups, and CP. We will work closely with these organizations to ensure the project addresses their needs and interests.

 

Public engagement Project documents

 

Funding Partners

The early design and study portion of this project is funded by the Government of Canada through the National Trade Corridors Fund, the port authority, and CP.

The project is part of Greater Vancouver Gateway 2030