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Why the seawall's Expo Deck by Science World has been closed indefinitely

There are safety concerns for the "L"-shaped pathway that borders False Creek west of Science World.
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer
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The deck that holds up a section of Vancouver's seawall path near Science World has been suddenly closed by the city.Science World

Detours have suddenly been put in place along Vancouver's Seawall path near Science World.

The Expo Deck has been closed indefinitely "out of an abundance of caution," the city said, citing public safety concerns from a recent assessment of the decades-old structure (see map below).

The closure took effect Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 4, and is in place "until further notice," according to a news release.

More condition assessments will take place for the "aging" deck as Vancouver plans for possible modifications or removal. 

"City consultants have indicated that the deck structures are nearing the end of their useful service lives," the city added in its statement.

"The City thanks the public for their patience during this closure and for their cooperation in using the detour paths."

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A map of detours around Vancouver's Expo Deck by Science World, built in 1984, which has been closed indefinitely due to safety concerns. By City of Vancouver

Built in 1984 for Expo 86, the "L"-shaped deck between Creekside Community Centre and Science World follows False Creek, and is a continuation of the Vancouver Seawall and Seaside Greenway Path.

The indefinite closure is in line with recent third-party recommendations to the city to upgrade, modify or demolish structures like the Expo Deck, while also inspecting them to ensure public safety.

How can I get around the closure?

Vancouver has implemented detours for pedestrians and cyclists west and south of Science World for those who need to access the area.

A temporary detour is in place from Creekside via Ontario, Switchmen, and Quebec streets to reconnect the Seawall and Seaside Greenway paths

Foot traffic will follow existing sidewalks, while cyclists will use the Ontario Street bike lane, the pedestrian path to Switchmen Street and the curbside southbound lane to Quebec. 

The city is asking cyclists to dismount or slow down when using the pedestrian path between Ontario and Switchmen.

"The detours will remain in place until further notice while the City assesses the structure to determine next steps for these portions of the closed deck," the city's release explained.

"The City is also exploring alternative detour options closer to the existing paths."

Meanwhile, residents can still access Science World as normal. The city said an on-site attendant will be available to and from the south parking lot.

As well, a portion of the north deck between Science World and Creekside Park Playground is also indefinitely closed, but the public can still access the Seawall paths with no detours.

Access to the dinghy dock south of Science World has also been closed, the city said.