The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority completed the Centerm Expansion Project and South Shore Access Project to help meet increasing demand for containers shipped through the Port of Vancouver. The newly extended Waterfront Road will open later this summer.
The project included the:
- Construction of new port land through infill to expand the terminal footprint by 15%
- Reconfiguration of the Centerm container terminal
- Creation of a new overpass on Centennial Road
- Changes to Waterfront Road to create a continuous port road from Canada Place to Highway 1
- Removal of the Heatley Road overpass
- Coordination with tenants on road maintenance within port lands
The port authority completed extensive environmental and technical studies, along with three rounds of public engagement to inform the construction planning.
The projects are being built by Centennial Expansion Partners (CXP) on contract to the port authority.
These improvements will help:
- Increase capacity at Centerm to support Canada’s growing trade demand for goods shipped in containers
- Provide a continuous port road from Canada Place to Highway 1
- Reduce travel delays for port users and businesses by building an overpass over two rail crossings and removing one rail crossing on port roads
- Reduce port-related traffic on local roads in the Downtown East Side and East Vancouver
Entering the port
Commissioner Street entrance
- Open to Port Pass holders driving passenger vehicles
- Primary access for all commercial trucks (including non-Port Pass holders)
Clark Drive overpass
- Only entrance for pedestrians and cyclists accessing/exiting DP World, CXP and the port authority maintenance facility with Port Passes via the detour route under the Centennial Road overpass
- Only entrance for visitors driving passenger vehicles without Port Passes
- Open to Port Pass holders with commercial straight trucks (five-tons maximum)
- Open to Port Pass holders driving passenger vehicles
- Closed to semi-trailer, container and dump trucks – use Commissioner Street entrance
To enter the port:
- Access via Clark Drive for pedestrians and cyclists accessing/exiting DP World, CXP and the port authority maintenance facility with Port Passes via the detour route under the Centennial Road overpass
To exit the port:
- All vehicle traffic west of Rogers Street – port authority maintenance, CXP, DP World – including container, commercial, semi-trailer and dump trucks must use the new Centennial Road overpass
- All vehicle traffic east of Rogers Street – Rogers Sugar/Lantic, Alliance Grain Terminal (AGT) and Vanterm – including container, commercial, semi-trailer and dump trucks must use the Low Road, south lane underneath the new Centennial Road overpass exiting at either Clark Drive or Commissioner Street
Main Street entrance – Waterfront Road
- Open to Port Pass holders driving passenger vehicles accessing the Main Street dock area
- Open to commercial vehicles accessing the Main Street dock area
- Closed to all container drayage vehicles
- A port authority security guard will be at the vehicle access control system (VACS) gates to manually check identification 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Centennial Road overpass
- The overpass is open, providing access to Centerm Terminal and the port authority maintenance facility
- Pedestrians and cyclists are to access Centerm and the port authority maintenance office from Clark Drive via the low road under the overpass. Signage is in place to direct pedestrians and cyclists
Download the PortVan eHub app to keep up to date on port roadway detours and road closures.
Project timeline
- 2015 – Early discussions begin with partners, Indigenous groups, local government, and key stakeholders
- January 18 to February 12, 2016 – Preliminary comment period
- February 20 to March 24, 2017 – Round one of public consultation for the proposed design of the on-the-terminal and off-the-terminal works, results of technical and environmental studies, expected construction activities, and proposed community investment program
- May 15 to June 2, 2017 – Round two of public consultation on proposed project construction activities, details regarding a proposed community investment program, and how we considered feedback from round one of public consultation
- March 2019 – Preparation for construction
- July 2019 – Construction begins
- August 2019 – In-water construction begins
- Summer 2021 – Centennial Road overpass complete
- Summer 2022 – Heatley Road overpass removal
- Spring 2023 – Construction complete
Economic prosperity through trade | Healthy environment | Thriving communities |
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We acknowledge that while port-related developments may provide local, regional, and national benefits, they may also have potential effects on those who live, work or operate in and around port areas.
Our approach to public consultation is based on two-way communication and open dialogue, working together to ensure the community, the environment, and the economy are all considered during project planning.
Preliminary comment period consultation documents
November 2016 – Centerm Expansion Project Summer 2016 Supplemental Engagement Materials [PDF]
August 2016 – Centerm Expansion Project Preliminary Comment Period Consideration Report [PDF]
March 2016 – Centerm Expansion Project Preliminary Comment Period Summary Report [PDF]
Round 1 public engagement consultation documents
May 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 1 Consideration Report [PDF]
May 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 1 Consultation Summary Report [PDF]
May 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 1 Consultation Summary Report Appendices [PDF]
March 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 1 Display Boards [PDF]
February 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 1 Discussion Guide and Feedback Form [PDF]
Round 2 public engagement consultation documents
July 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 2 Consultation Consideration Report [PDF]
June 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 2 Summary Report [PDF]
June 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 2 Summary Report Appendices [PDF]
May 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 2 Discussion Paper and Feedback Form [PDF]
May 2017 – Centerm Expansion Project Application Review Phase Round 2 Display Boards [PDF]
For a detailed overview of what we heard and what we’re doing, download the Phase 2 consideration report.
Interest | How we’re responding |
Air quality
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We heard:
Concerns about air quality impacts as a result of the project. We’re responding: Our air assessment modeling shows that regional air quality standards will continue to be met even after the project is complete, with the exception of rare and short-lived exceedances of nitrogen dioxide. These exceedences are expected to occur in a small area over water or industrial areas, not in residential or other sensitive locations for human health. We will also create an air emissions management plan to assist the terminal operator in managing air emissions following completion of construction. Additionally, the terminal operator and port authority will continue work together as part of the port authority’s Clean Air Strategy, which includes fleet replacement of older vehicles with newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles and decreased truck queuing over-time. What else we’re doing:
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GHG Emissions | We heard:
Concerns about GHG emissions. We’re responding: All buildings will be built to LEED green building rating system sustainable building measures, and infrastructure will be built to meet Envision sustainable building standards. We are pursuing a minimum of Envision Gold certification to ensure sustainable construction of infrastructure, and LEED Gold certification for the new Centerm operations and administration building. We will be installing a second ship-to-shore power connection at Centerm on the newly expanded berth, so that if two ships with the necessary equipment are in port at the same time, they can both switch off their diesel-powered engines. We are installing terminal equipment that will help reduce GHGs, including electrified rail mounted gantry cranes in place of the diesel powered rubber tire gantry cranes currently used in the intermodal yard. What else we’re doing:
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Noise | We heard:
Concern that the larger terminal will be noisier. We’re responding: We are taking measures to reduce noise, including the use of electric-rail-mounted gantry cranes in the rail yard that will generate less noise than the current equipment. Additionally, the longer rail tracks on-terminal provide an opportunity to reduce the number of train movements needed to build full length trains, which will reduce rail related noise due to shunting. What else we’re doing: The port authority has 11 long-term noise monitoring stations at locations across the port. Access this data in real time. |
CRAB Park at Portside | We heard:
That CRAB Park at Portside is an important place for this community and that users are concerned about impacts to their enjoyment of the park, including the view, and water quality. We’re responding: There will be no physical impacts to CRAB Park at Portside as a result of this project. We are confident that views will not be significantly impacted by the changes to Centerm. We completed computer modelling of tidal flushing and found that natural tide cycles will continue to flush and replenish the bay after the expansion. A community investment program will be implemented as part of the project; the project team is currently exploring community investment opportunities based on consultation feedback and other considerations. As part of this, we will be working with the Vancouver Park Board to provide funding toward future park improvements. After hearing how important this park is to the local community, we are contributing $1 million to improvements at CRAB Park at Portside. The Vancouver Park Board will be the recipient of the funding and they will lead engagement and decisions on what improvements will be made. What else we’re doing: An additional $500,000 has been put aside for the Centerm Community Fund. If you have a local project, we encourage you to apply for funding. |
Marine Impacts | We heard:
Concerns about whether the project will negatively impact the environment and marine wildlife. We’re responding: We studied how the project may affect fish and fish habitat, marine birds, and marine mammals, and found that the project and construction activities are not expected to have noticeable effects on marine birds or mammals. However, we did find that the project has the potential to harm fish and will harm fish habitat due to the infilling. Because of this, we are undertaking the Maplewood Marine Restoration Project to build new high-quality habitat for fish and crab nearby. Additionally, during construction we will use a construction environmental management plan to mitigate impacts on the environment, including water quality. What else we’re doing: The port authority maintains a robust set of practices and procedures to be followed by all vessels operating in the port’s jurisdiction, in line with international best practices. These practices and procedures are designed to promote safe navigation and environmental protection from vessel activities, including oil spill prevention.
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Construction related impacts – noise, traffic, and light | We heard:
Concerns about noise, traffic, and light during construction. We’re responding: Construction will be guided by a construction environmental management plan that will mitigate impacts on traffic, noise from construction, and light from construction. Examples include focusing light only where it is needed for safe and secure work, transporting construction materials by barge when possible to reduce traffic on local and port streets, and ensuring stakeholders are informed about upcoming changes to traffic patterns. |
Project documents
December 2022 – Looking back on 2022: Centerm Expansion Project and South Shore Access Project
April 2022 – Public engagement and consultation summary report – Heatley Avenue overpass demolition
January 2022 – Looking back on 2021: Centerm Expansion Project and South Shore Access Project
November 2021 – Centerm Expansion Project and South Shore Access Project – Project schedule
January 2021 – Centerm Community Fund promotional poster – third application intake period
January 2020 – Centerm Community Fund promotional poster
July 2019 – Detours related to Clark Drive overpass maintenance (inbound closure to port via Clark Drive overpass)
April 2018 – Centerm Expansion Project and South Shore Access Project Map
November 2016 – Centerm Expansion Project – Project and Environmental Review Project Permit Application
Monthly newsletters
May 2023 – Centerm and South Shore Update
April 2023 – Centerm and South Shore Update
March 2023 – Centerm and South Shore Update
February 2023- Centerm and South Shore Update
January 2023 – Centerm and South Shore Update
December 2022 – Centerm and South Shore Update
November 2002 – Centerm and South Shore Update
October 2022 – Centerm and South Shore Update
September 2022 – Centerm and South Shore Update
August 2022 – Centerm and South Shore Update
July 2022 – Centerm and South Shore Update
June 2022 – Centerm and South Shore Update
May 2022 – Centerm and South Shore Update
April 2022 – Centerm and South Shore update
March 2022 – Centerm and South Shore update
February 2022 – Centerm and South Shore update
January 2022 – Centerm and South Shore Update
December 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
November 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
October 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
September 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
August 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
July 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
June 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
May 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
April 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
March 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
February 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
January 2021 – Centerm and South Shore Update
December 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
November 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
October 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
September 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
August 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
July 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
June 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
May 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
April 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
March 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
February 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
January 2020 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
December 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
November 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
October 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
September 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
August 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
July 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
June 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Update
May 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
April 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
March 2019 – Centerm and South Shore Updates
Notification letters
Notification letters are issued to port tenants in advance of work that will cause new disruptions to operations. Notifications are issued to local residents in advance of the start of a major portion of the project.
June 30, 2022 – Notification for the Heatley Avenue overpass demolition – July 9 and 10
June 10, 2002 – Notification for the Heatley Avenue overpass demolition – June dates
May 20, 2022 – Notification extended work hours approved for the Heatley Avenue overpass demolition
February 14, 2022 – Notification extended work hours request and invitation to provide comment on Heatley Avenue overpass demolition
December 1, 2021 – Notification for permit extension and extended work hours
June 11, 2021 – Notification for opening of the Centennial Road overpass and demolition of the Heatley Avenue overpass
December 3, 2020 – Notification for Centennial Road traffic detour extension
October 14, 2020 – Notification of South Shore construction update and associated traffic impacts
June 26, 2020 – Notification of Centennial Road detour
August 1, 2019 – Notification of Clark Drive overpass rehabilitation night work
June 17, 2019 – Notification of Centerm and South Shore Access Project start of construction
October 18, 2019 – Notice of construction outside of regular work hours
September 6, 2019 – Notification of Canfisco boiler building demolition
July 24, 2019 – Notification for port tenants of start of tree removal to facilitate construction of the overpass and eastern expansion. New trees will be replanted as part of project.
July 23, 2019 – Notification for port tenants of start of marine works. Dredging and infilling anticipated to take place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in order to complete work within a condensed time window and minimize impact to marine life.
June 17, 2019 – Notification to port tenants of start of construction project.
June 17, 2019 – Notification of start of construction project
Funding partners
The new Centennial Road overpass, removal of the Heatley overpass, and improvements to Waterfront Road are funded by the Government of Canada through the National Trade Corridors Fund and the port authority.