Those travelling to and through Vancouver's historic Gastown neighbourhood will need to navigate some new traffic patterns this spring and summer.
Vehicle traffic will be altered from March to August as the City of Vancouver first repairs parts of the area along Water Street and then runs a pedestrian pilot project over July and August.
Essentially Maple Tree Square at the intersection of Carrall and Water streets will be closed to traffic for six months.
To help guide traffic away from the blockage, several changes will be made to intersections and flow on Powell, Alexander and Columbia streets east of the square, which will also affect traffic on Main Street, along with other smaller changes.
Traffic changes during construction phase (March to June)
While the main closure will be at Maple Tree Square, the big shift according to Paul Storer of the city's traffic department, will be for those heading westbound on Powell Street as they approach Main Street. Instead of going on through towards the square where Powell terminates, drivers will have to turn left or right.
Powell Street west of Main Street will still be accessible, though, and those who end up near the square will have a detour that loops them back to Columbia Street, which will become a two-street for its full length.
Meanwhile, Alexander Street will become two-way near Maple Tree Square so that people can turn around, like in a cul-de-sac.
"We're trying to keep as much parking in place as possible," notes Storer.
For bus riders, the #50 route which normally travels down Water Street will instead be turning down East Hastings and heading west. Cyclists will be impacted, but the city is making efforts to keep it to a minimum Storer notes, as most routes will remain available.
There is one other small alteration, as those who use the alley at the north end of Abbott Street will be able to turn right through Maple Tree Square.
Construction hours at Maple Tree Square will be between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Pedestrian Pilot Project
The traffic situation won't change much for most people during the pilot project.
The only major change will be the change of the 300-block of Water Street into a pedestrian-only zone. The two blocks of Water Street between Maple Tree Square and the 300-block will become car-light.
"We're going to be designating additional loading zones on Water Street," says Storer, noting it'll be for several kinds of vehicles, from tour buses to taxi cabs.
Traffic that does make it onto the "car-light" section of Water Street will be able to leave the area via Cambie Street and Abbott Street.
While the project is ongoing, the city will be monitoring how the public interacts with it closely to inform future plans.
"What the pilot does is give us the chance to test one of those [plans]," says Rachel Magnusson, a branch manager with the city.
The pilot project is part of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan, a $5.5 million project by the city to redesign Maple Tree Square and "establish a vibrant, people-focused Gastown." The neighbourhood was the first created by settlers in what is now Vancouver. It was renewed in the 1970s with the steam clock, brick paving stones and recognizable lamp fixtures.
As part of the construction this spring many of the pavers will be removed and replaced.
“Decades of underinvestment have led to the deterioration of many of the streets in the neighbourhood," Mayor Ken Sim said of the area in May of 2023. "Improperly maintained infrastructure and the lack of a clear, cohesive plan for this neighbourhood has had an impact on residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
With files from Mike Howell
