SkyTrain Station Renovations

[SpongeG]

I don't think that what she bought is even legal.

Unless she was related or friends with the owner of the house. Then they would of just split the ownership up.

In 2004 I bought the basement suite (well, "garden" suite) of a house in Kitsilano. It was an old character house that had been stripped down, jacked up and redeveloped into two units, plus a laneway house. (This was in a Kitsilano RT-7 zone).

The legal structure was a strata corporation, just like a condo building.

it must have been something like this - it was in the east end though near the drive - i think it was an older home that had been done over in the 90's and there two units upstairs and one in the basement and were like condos - we walked past it and she said it was cute but she didn't like something about it

I said I had never heard of that before - a basement suit for sale and she said she had looked at a few of them i don't know where they all were - but they were within her budget

[twoNeurons]

Have we got a thread for housing in Vancouver? This thread is getting quite polluted. As much as the discussion is interesting ( and as much as I TOTALLY agree with jlousa, 110% and would love to discuss this further ), it really deserves its own thread.

[Waders]

Keeping this thread alive! :)
The latest info from "Moving Forward" 2012 Supplemental Plan and Outlook (http://www.translink.ca/~/media/documents/bpotp/plans/10_year_plan/2012_plans/2012_supplemental_plan_moving_forward.ashx)

Main Street Station Upgrades
The 2012 Supplemental Plan will provide funding for access, capacity and passenger environment
upgrades at Main Street Station. Pre-construction for these upgrades will begin in 2012, which will
include:
• an expanded east station entrance,
• escalator and elevator access to the platform at the east entrance,
• direct escalator access from the west entrance to the platform, and
• improvements within 800 meters of the station to enhance station access, subject to municipal
cost share and development or update of an area plan.
...
Metrotown Station Upgrades
Under the 2012 Supplemental Plan, construction of upgrades to Metrotown Station will begin in 2013
and will include:
• a new station house to serve transfer movements to a new bus exchange,
• reconfigured and expanded bus exchange immediately below the station,
• down escalators from the platform,
• expanded elevator capacity,
• elimination of the stairs between the elevated pedestrian walkway and mezzanine at the east
side of the station,
• implementation of faregates,
• realignment of BC parkway path system as it passes through station area, and
• improvements within 800m of the station to enhance station access, subject to municipal cost
share and development/update of an area plan.

[Chadillaccc]

There's construction going on on the south side of Royal Oak station in Burnaby. Anyone know what's going on there?

[Millennium2002]

That construction is for faregates... which are technically separate from these two station rebuilds.

Given the descriptions above I assume that they've scaled back the architectural re-working of Main Street Station.... I hope the end result doesn't look too patchy. =S

[paradigm4]

So I was talking to a TL rep the other day. He said that the Metrotown project didn't have funding, though Main was going ahead definitively. He also said to prepare for major changes at Commercial, which seemed odd as I hadn't heard of it on the books yet.

Apparently, to coincide with Evergreen's opening, TL will be adding a second passarelle and platform on the north side of the Expo Line. The rep said TL will be deconstructing a portion of the Safeway to build the platform. He noted that there are several traffic configurations that could occur re: controlling train doors and which side passengers would board for either entrance or exit.

[GeeCee]

So I was talking to a TL rep the other day. He said that the Metrotown project didn't have funding, though Main was going ahead definitively. He also said to prepare for major changes at Commercial, which seemed odd as I hadn't heard of it on the books yet.

Apparently, to coincide with Evergreen's opening, TL will be adding a second passarelle and platform on the north side of the Expo Line. The rep said TL will be deconstructing a portion of the Safeway to build the platform. He noted that there are several traffic configurations that could occur re: controlling train doors and which side passengers would board for either entrance or exit.

Forgive my ignorance, but what is a passarelle?

Also, I'm not quite sure why the heck they would need to tear down part of the Safeway.. it's nowhere near the track alignment.

Edit: oops, I was thinking of the Burquitlam Safeway. Never mind!

[deasine]

Apparently, to coincide with Evergreen's opening, TL will be adding a second passarelle and platform on the north side of the Expo Line. The rep said TL will be deconstructing a portion of the Safeway to build the platform. He noted that there are several traffic configurations that could occur re: controlling train doors and which side passengers would board for either entrance or exit.

Interesting. A dual platform configuration was always in the plans. Not that I don't believe you, but I'll believe it when TransLink releases RFPs/Plans =P

Forgive my ignorance, but what is a passarelle?


Synonym for overpass/foot-bridge.

[nname]

Its in the Evergreen RFP I think

[flight_from_kamakura]

passarelle is a pedestrian walkway, most often suspended.

[Waders]

Apparently, to coincide with Evergreen's opening, TL will be adding a second passarelle and platform on the north side of the Expo Line. The rep said TL will be deconstructing a portion of the Safeway to build the platform. He noted that there are several traffic configurations that could occur re: controlling train doors and which side passengers would board for either entrance or exit.
This actually is mentioned in the "Moving Forward" 2012 Supplemental Plan and Outlook (http://www.translink.ca/~/media/documents/bpotp/10_year_plan/2012_plans/2012_supplemental_plan_moving_forward.ashx) document. The station expansion is an important part of the Evergreen Line project. Without that, Commercial-Broadway station might become gridlock with the additional passenger transfer flow.

From page 25,

Commercial-Broadway Station Phase II Upgrades
The Commercial-Broadway Station upgrade project was originally conceived as part of the Commercial-Broadway Transit Village Plan, which was completed in 2006. The station improvements are a component of the successful implementation of the Evergreen Line and will support future increases in the capacity on the rapid transit network as outlined in the Provincial Transit Plan and TransLink’s Expo Upgrade Strategy. As part of the Evergreen Line Program upgrades at this station will include:
• construction of an additional inbound platform for the Expo Line, to be added to the East side of the existing station, with associated platform access improvements to accommodate the projected increase in transfer volumes from the Evergreen Line,
• upgrading the bus waiting areas serving the station complex to include weather protection and passenger amenities, and
• construction of a pedestrian plaza adjacent to the portion of the complex south of Broadway Avenue.

[SpongeG]

transferring at commercial/broadway is quite painful during rush hours - they definately need to improve it - sounds like an extra platform could be helpful

[nname]

transferring at commercial/broadway is quite painful during rush hours - they definately need to improve it - sounds like an extra platform could be helpful

Or spend the money, plus some more, to extend the line to Cambie ;)

[Jebby]

Reporting this by jlousa in the compass card thread:

http://www.translink.ca/~/media/Documents/about_translink/doing_business_with_translink/bidding_opportunities/Q12%20058/Q12058%20RFP.ashx

RFP issued for the Main St Staion upgrades. Nothing that we didn't already suspect. Completion date is set for May 2014

Quote:
3 SCOPE OF WORK3.1 The proposed improvements and Scope of Work required for the Main Street SkyTrain Upgrade Project are detailed in the drawings provided in the Reference Documents. A summary of the scope of work is included below:

3.1.1 Eastside:

3.1.1.1 Remove the existing staircase and associated structure and landscaped plaza;
3.1.1.2 Provide required hoarding to facilitate the work;
3.1.1.3 Construct a new glazed station house, which includes:
a) new staircase to the platform level
b) new up escalator to the platform level
c) new elevator to the platform level
d) CRU space within the station house
e) bike storage facility within the station house
3.1.1.4 Provide for gating and Smartcards implementation; and
3.1.1.5 Include landscaping at the concourse level.

3.1.2 Platform:

3.1.2.1 Create a new platform level at east station house, which forms the roof of structures below to accommodate new escalator, stair and elevator;
3.1.2.2 Remove existing pavers and provide floor tiles;
3.1.2.3 Provide glazing on both the north and south sides of the station;
3.1.2.4 Remove existing chain link barrier as indicated on demolition drawings; and
3.1.2.5 Include all associated lighting design as indicated.

3.1.3 Westside:

3.1.3.1 Remove existing mezzanine level, including existing stair and escalator to platform and related structure;
3.1.3.2 Remove existing entrance and stairs from Terminal Avenue;
3.1.3.3 Remove existing Starbucks retail space, and related existing other structure under the mezzanine level;
3.1.3.4 Add one staircase from concourse to platform;
3.1.3.5 Add two escalators (one up and one down) from concourse to platform;
3.1.3.6 Provide a new entrance directly off west side of Main into station concourse providing a direct visual link between the vertical circulation to the platform level and the major bus offloading and loading point;
3.1.3.7 Provide a new wide plaza entrance off Terminal Avenue into station concourse providing a direct visual link between the vertical circulation to the platform level and activity on Terminal Avenue;
3.1.3.8 Provide for gating and Smartcards implementation;
3.1.3.9 Add new retail space to replace existing space taken for Main Street entrance; and
3.1.3.10 Include landscaping at the concourse level, particularly in the area of the plaza on Terminal Avenue

[Chadillaccc]

I'm currently living in Calgary, but would very much appreciate it if anyone could show us a photo update of the station renovations going on around the city! Especially would love to see the completed New Westminster station.

[SpongeG]

there are pics somewhere in another thread of what is done, metrotown and main street haven't had anything started yet and new west is still undergoing - at least when i was home in august it still had a bit to be done

[Chadillaccc]

Oh okay, thanks. Have they released drawings of what metrotown and main street stations will look like when complete?

[SpongeG]

this for metrotown:
http://www.perkinswill.com/sites/default/files/project-imagery/Metrotown_station_main1_0.jpg
.perkinswill.com

for main street - from 2008 though
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/544/63450102sa9.png
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=139672&page=7

pics from may
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=186684&page=78

[nname]

The Metrotown plan can also be found here:

http://www.bunteng.com/bunt/images/stories/news/Metrotown%20Pedestrian%20Analysis.pdf

[deasine]

The Metrotown plan can also be found here:

http://www.bunteng.com/bunt/images/stories/news/Metrotown%20Pedestrian%20Analysis.pdf

I find it funny how they used a map not from TransLink but something that was done for the Transit Fantasies thread. The routes don't even exist or aren't up-to-date!

[CoryHolmes]

The upgrades in Surrey Central seems to be taking forever. Any idea when they're supposed to be completed?

[CBeats]

I find it funny how they used a map not from TransLink but something that was done for the Transit Fantasies thread. The routes don't even exist or aren't up-to-date!

That is hilarious!

[DKaz]

lol, that's too funny.

[jlousa]

So Translink has issued an RFP for Commercial/Broadway SkyTrain Station Upgrades – Design Services.

Here's the readers digest version, and I've attached the link to the full document at the bottom. Not too much we didn't already know, or expect. I did bold a couple of items I found interesting. I also would not be surprised if we see the Safeway site redeveloped instead of worked around.

BACKGROUND
Station Overview & Description
Commercial-Broadway Station is at the heart of Metro Vancouver’s transportation network, situated at the convergence of the Expo Line, the original rapid transit line built in 1986, and the Millennium Line, completed in 2002. Originally designed as a stand-alone Expo Line SkyTrain station (Broadway Station), it has since transformed into a major transit hub with the addition of the Millennium Line (Commercial Station) and the 99 B-Line express bus route.
Approximately 150,000 people use Commercial-Broadway Station on a typical weekday, making it the busiest station in the entire Metro Vancouver transit network. Connections between the Expo Line, the Millennium Line, the 99 B-Line express bus to UBC and other local bus routes all happen at this location. The station’s evolution, however, has occurred incrementally, on constrained sites, and with key functional elements designed in isolation of each other. This has resulted in severe congestion during the morning peak, with long queues at key station “choke points” on an almost daily basis.

Phase I Upgrades
Construction of Phase 1 was completed in November 2009 and included the following elements.
• A new south station entrance:
• A second station entrance was added at 10th Avenue in order to increase accessibility and also to improve aesthetics and neighbourhood integration
• A third escalator and a new staircase were added at the south end of the station
• The ground concourse level of the station was doubled in size by expanding it to the new south station entrance, as well as widening it to the west
• An improved north station entrance:
• The north entrance at Broadway Avenue was widened
• The existing elevator at the north end of the platform was replaced with a new larger, more accessible elevator at the south end of the station, in order to eliminate a bottleneck area
• A replacement of the metal mesh panels with glazed panels on the west side of the station’s concourse level to:
• Increase natural light,
• Improve weather protection from wind and rain,
• Improve visibility into and out of the station in order to increase feelings of security and facilitate opportunities for natural surveillance.
• New paving on the concourse level

The Phase 1 upgrades delivered the following key passenger and operational benefits:
• Reduced congestion at critical access points within the station;
• Improved access and circulation;
• Reduced travel times within the station;
• Enhanced safety and security;
• Improved the station environment; and
• Improved integration with the local community and enhanced neighbourhood aesthetics.

The current project phase consists of the design and construction of station upgrades to address critical capacity issues leading to patron movement conflicts and increased crowding and wait times, and to accommodate the increased demand before the Evergreen Line becomes operational in 2016.
Phase II Upgrades
Concept Design Confirmation and Schematic Design were completed for the Commercial Broadway Phase II Upgrade in 2011.
The general intent of the project is to improve circulation through the addition of an outboard platform on the east side of the Broadway Station tying into a passerelle spanning Broadway and the retail north of Broadway to ultimately connect into a widened bridge over the Grandview cut, leading to the Commercial Station Entrance. The project scope and the scope of services are further detailed below in the Detailed Design Services.
The original Expo Line, extending from Waterfront Station to New Westminster Station, was conceived as a legacy project of Expo 86 and completed in time to showcase the fair's theme: "Transportation and Communication: World in Motion – World in Touch". It remains an important architectural marker and legacy of a significant period of transformation in the history of the Lower Mainland.
The Expo Line stations, designed by Architektengruppe U-Bahn in 1984, are based on a kit-of-parts approach and feature common elements that create a unified identity across the system. As such, the stations share a common look and feel. The original designers also understood that transit stations should evolve and change over time and a principle objective was to adopt an explicit ‘systems’ architectural language which resulted in details and elements that inherently make the station flexible and extensible. The intention was that the stations be easily maintained and also adapt to changing conditions over time.
These founding principles are strong but they have not been fully realized. While neighbourhoods have grown and station usage patterns and volumes have changed, the stations themselves have generally not evolved to suit. They remain, with a few exceptions, exactly as they did when first opened.
This project presents an opportunity to preserve and even enhance the Expo ‘heritage’ aspect inherent in the Expo Line stations while at the same time, addressing the functional and neighbourhood integration objectives of this station through sympathetic yet distinctly contemporary interventions. Further, there is also the opportunity to build on an existing kit-of parts architectural language that, at a pragmatic level, facilitates future alterations, repairs and maintenance but also serves to reinforce the established identity of the Expo Line stations.
As part of the proposal, TransLink requests that the proponent articulate their position on the value of safeguarding key elements of the station for the purpose of retaining its heritage and identity. The proponent should also explicitly outline their proposed approach to dealing with the heritage aspect of this project and identify key elements or features of the station that would be focused on in order to achieve this end within the bounds of the scope of interventions described within this RFP.
It is expected that the implementation work will be tendered in 2014, with a construction commencing in the fall of 2014. Construction will be completed in the spring of 2016.

The Contractor shall perform engineering analysis and prepare detailed engineering design (including electrical, mechanical, civil and structural work, as required) for the following modifications and/or improvements (collectively referred to as the “Work”):
(a) A new outboard platform on the east side of the Commercial Broadway south station area, entailing a similar expansion on the concourse level and appropriately integrated additional vertical circulation
(i) Two escalators, one up and one down
(ii) One full-sized (2.5m wide) staircase
(iii) One new elevator
(iv) One emergency exit staircase
(b) Provisions for future extension of the platform to the south by 2.5 meters, to provide for future longer trains, and the addition of a new roof over the platform extension
(c) Extension of the existing hoop trusses over the south platforms of Commercial Broadway Station and addition of a new roof to cover the new outboard platform.
(d) A new passerelle over Broadway Avenue from the new outboard platform
(e) A new passerelle over the existing Shoppers Drug Mart connected to the new passerelle over Broadway Avenue
(f) Vertical circulation elements to connect the new passerelle to Commercial Concourse
(i) Two escalators, one up and one down
(ii) One staircase
(iii) One elevator
(g) Widening of the existing pedestrian bridge over the Cut, which connects the north platforms 1 & 2 of Commercial Broadway Station with the Commercial Concourse
(i) provides the circulation space required for the landing of the vertical circulation elements connected to the new passerelle
(ii) includes a new roof structure and enclosure
(iii) provides additional needed capacity
(h) Modification of fare gates and ticketing equipment, as required to accommodate the upgrade elements
(i) Upgrading the existing emergency exit stair to a public stair at the Commercial Broadway north station
(j) Replacing mesh panels with glazing at platform level of Broadway Station
(k) Additional ancillary and support spaces
(l) Addition of a public H/C accessible washroom facility in the south concourse.

(j) Assist with communication and coordination with adjacent property owners or their representatives, TransLink’s consultants and other external stakeholders. TransLink anticipates the need to coordinate works with the following groups and we anticipate the requirement for Contractor input and attendance.
(i) Safeway
The upgrade will require acquisition of the west portion of the existing operating Safeway grocery store to accommodate the new outboard platform on the east side of the existing station. It also requires negotiation of property rights with the existing Shoppers Drug Mart over which a new passerelle will be built. The successful proponent will be required to liaise with TransLink’s Property’s Division and provide the detail design for the interface between the adjacent properties.
(ii) Environmental Assessment
Based on the age of the Safeway, it is strongly expected that it contains asbestos containing material. An Environmental Consultant will be engaged to complete a hazardous materials assessment of the existing Safeway structure to be demolished to the extent required to allow for the station upgrade. Following the assessment, preparation of specifications for the tender package will be prepared by the Environmental Consultant for the proper demolition and removal of this material by Safeway’s Contactor. The successful proponent shall liaise with the Environmental Consultant to ensure that hazardous materials (if found) are removed to the extent required that they do not impact the Station design and its interface with the remaining Safeway structure.
(iii) BNSF Railway
The project scope includes widening the bridge over the Grandview Cut leading to the Commercial Station Entrance. This bridge spans Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s (BNSF) operating railway tracks. The successful proponent, along with TransLink’s project manager, will be required to communicate with BNSF to ensure that the constructability of the design permits unobstructed BNSF’s operations.

Milestone Event
Forecasted Completion
Execute Design Services Contract December 15, 2012
Commence Detailed Design January 3, 2013
Prepare Detailed Design and Cost Estimate (50% Submission) July 2013
TransLink’s Review and approval of Design/Estimate August 2014
Complete Construction Drawings and Specifications for Tender May 2014
Tender Period June 2014 - Aug 2014
Award Construction Contract August 2014
Construction Period September 2014 – April 2016
Acceptance of Final Product April 30, 2016

Source:http://www.translink.ca/~/media/documents/about_translink/doing_business_with_translink/bidding_opportunities/q12%20087/q12087%20rfp.ashx

[hollywoodnorth]

thanks for the post.

looks like the MAIN STREET STATION project has been awarded.

Q12-058
Title: Construction Management - Main Street Station
Type: Request for Proposal
Awarded to:

Graham Construction and Engineering

Responses received from:

Graham Construction and Engineering
Ledcor Construction Limited
Magil Construction
Smith Bros. & Wilson (B.C.) Ltd


so we should see it fire up this month.

[red-paladin]

The idea of building the newer part of the Expo Line platform in the same architectural style is very intriguing. This follows the extention of the platform roof in the past. I often thought as a child what it would look like for other buildings to be built in that 'Expo 86' style, and it's interesting to see it happen.

[officedweller]

This is an example where expanding an elevated station is far easier than if the station were underground.

[jlousa]

Looks like Translink is taking it's Main st Station upgrades to the DPB on Feb 25th.

]1399 Main Street[/B] DE416346 February 25, 2013
TransLink
Interior alterations and additions to the existing SkyTrain station at Main Street and Terminal Avenue; work to include alterations to the main
street and east side stations to create new platforms, stair entries and landscaping

[Jimbo604]

Looks like Translink is taking it's Main st Station upgrades to the DPB on Feb 25th.

Station from 1983 needs upgrading shocker.

[nname]

The RFP for the design of Metrotown Station upgrade is issued here (http://www.translink.ca/~/media/Documents/about_translink/doing_business_with_translink/bidding_opportunities/Q12%20115/Q12115%20RFP.ashx)

The estimate time for construction begin early 2014, and complete early-mid 2016.

Description of the works:
(a) Modifications to the existing Metrotown Station
(i) New east entry
(ii) Addition of a new west entry
(iii) Addition of a central entry at the elevators/central stair
(iv) Addition of new vertical circulation elements that improve access to/from the platform:
a. A new down escalator descending from the platform to the mezzanine.
b. Removal of the existing elevator
c. New stair and escalators from mezzanine to grade at the west entry
d. New stair and escalators from mezzanine to grade at the east entry
e. Two new elevators located near the middle of the platform, accessible via the new central entry
f. A new stair provided mid-platform, connecting to mezzanine and grade level (central entry).
g. New stairs and up escalator provided at east end of the platform to replace existing ones
h. New stairs and up escalator at the west end of the platform
(v) Addition of a full length mezzanine connecting all entries and providing rain protection for passenger island at grade, with each of the three entries containing fare gates and ticketing equipment.
(vi) Bike facility and additional auxiliary spaces at grade level
(b) An expanded transit exchange and a proposed passenger island under the station, including:
(i) Design of the bus exchange, including a traffic impact analysis
(ii) Several direct pedestrian connections between the exchange and the station, as well as connections between the exchange and adjacencies.
(iii) Landscape design at grade level
(c) New hoop trusses and extension of the platform roof at the west end
(d) Design to provide for faregates and equipment implementation
(e) Replacing mesh panels with glazing at platform level of existing Metrotown Station

The cost review recommend a complete shutdown of Metrotown station to decrease construction. An option considered for this is to build a temporary "Metrotown East" station at the current pocket track area. Other options include modification of bus routes and temporary bus bridge.

[Mac Write]

Temp station at Pocket track? hmmm that would be very cool. Why not re-locate there? could really expand the station with big side platforms.

[TransitFreak]

The cost review recommend a complete shutdown of Metrotown station to decrease construction. An option considered for this is to build a temporary "Metrotown East" station at the current pocket track area. Other options include modification of bus routes and temporary bus bridge.

Quickly scanned the RFP, it says no elevator access, with temp staircases on either end of the pocket track. So cover off the pocket track a la New West Station circa 1986, then I assume some concert type scaffolding with poly roof set up and fabric mesh glazing. Elevator access via Patterson or Royal Oak.

I think the 'peel the band-aid off' method would be better long term, but it would be painful to climb construction stairs for 15 months...

That said, 3 entrances and full mezzanine floor below platform level is just awesome!!

[officedweller]

That would be climbing more than 3 flights of stairs. The guideway is TALL at Metrotown.

Temp station at Pocket track? hmmm that would be very cool. Why not re-locate there? could really expand the station with big side platforms.

That's my question too !
If they can have a temporary station at the crossover, why not build a new permanent station there (with outside platforms)
(or would that be more expensive than the rebuild?)
If alligned with the platforms, the crossover could even be used as a bi-directional station by-pass.
I recall plans for the new bus loop to be under the guideway, so it wouldn't need to connect to the existing bus loop, would it?
The passarelle to Metropolis could be shifted to connect near the office towers or to the former Zellers...
(or is the crossover farther east than that?)

Interesting excerpt from the RFP.
Good to see that the Expo 86 design isn't being discarded (like at Science World or Plaza of Nations)
Note that Main St Station did not conform to the Exo 86 "kit of parts" station design.


1.3 Heritage Content

The original Expo Line, extending from Waterfront Station to New Westminster Station, was conceived as a legacy project of Expo 86 and completed in time to showcase the fair's theme: "Transportation and Communication: World in Motion – World in Touch". It remains an important architectural marker and legacy of a significant period of transformation in the history of the Lower Mainland.

The Expo Line stations, designed by a joint venture of Alan Parker & Associates and Architektengruppe U-Bahn in 1984, are based on a kit-of-parts approach and feature common elements that create a unified identity across the system. As such, the stations share a common look and feel. The original designers also understood that transit stations should evolve and change over time and a principle objective was to adopt an explicit „systems‟ architectural language which resulted in details and elements that inherently make the station flexible and extensible. The intention was that the stations be easily maintained and also adapt to changing conditions over time.
These founding principles are strong but they have not been fully realised. While neighbourhoods have grown and station usage patterns and volumes have changed, the stations themselves have generally not evolved to suit. They remain, with a few exceptions, exactly as they did when first opened.

This project presents an opportunity to preserve and even enhance the Expo „heritage‟ aspect inherent in the Expo Line stations while at the same time, addressing the functional and neighbourhood integration objectives of this station through sympathetic yet distinctly contemporary interventions. Further, there is also the opportunity to build on an existing kit-of parts architectural language that, at a pragmatic level, facilitates future alterations, repairs and maintenance but also serves to reinforce the established identity of the Expo Line stations.

As part of the proposal, TransLink requests that the proponent articulate their position on the value of safeguarding key elements of the station for the purpose of retaining its heritage and identity, identifying elements or features that they may deem worth focusing on as part of the project‟s heritage component. The proponent should also explicitly outline their proposed approach to dealing with the heritage aspect of this project in order to achieve this end within the bounds of the scope of interventions described within this RFP.
RFP here (http://www.translink.ca/~/media/Documents/about_translink/doing_business_with_translink/bidding_opportunities/Q12%20115/Q12115%20RFP.ashx)

[jsbertram]

Station from 1983 needs upgrading shocker.

Main St was the prototype station used when the mile-long demonstration line was built down Terminal Ave.

Lessons learned about crowding at Main St made for better designs of the other Expo line stations.

Its only taken 30 years to go back and fix these design problems at Main St.

[red-paladin]

I too love the idea of 'finishing' the platform by placing the missing hoop trusses. If you look at the concrete guideway right now you can see spots for them to be anchored.

Maybe it's the OCD in me, but I sniffled a little when seeing the anchor points at New
West Station knowing there is no space or need for the remaining ones to be placed there.
However, I think New West is now nearly-awesome as a skytrain station, and think that Metrotown will be equally great.

While I love portions of the 'Expo '86' design scheme, I have always agreed that the mesh grid panels should be transparent in most sections. Looking forward to that.

[WarrenC12]

http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/467100/upgrades-could-close-metrotown-skytrain-station-for-15-months/

Yikes. Construction to begin in 2014. I kind of doubt the station would be closed for 15 months. And a temporary station? This is the cheapest option somehow?!

[BCPhil]

Temp station at Pocket track? hmmm that would be very cool. Why not re-locate there? could really expand the station with big side platforms.

The station where it is and the location of the existing walkway is better than moving further east.

First, having a walkway from an east station would link up with the Target. The main access to a mall shouldn't be through one store. That puts access to the mall at the whim of Target. So if target decides to lock their gates at exactly 6pm on a Sunday with the mall still full, how is everyone supposed to get out to the Skytrain? And I don't think Target would want literally thousands of people passing through their store either. The increase in theft would probably bankrupt the location.

Second, the existing walkway provides direct access to the Metrotowers. That's thousands of commuters who are uniterested in the mall. With a different walkway, commuters would have to be out in the rain on the sidewalk then cross infront of the main parking access where their coworkers are coming in from.

The existing walkway also provides access to Station Square. Moving the station east would throw a wrench in their redevelopment plans. With the station right there, station square has a lot of potential. If the station is not there, there seems to be little reason to change it.

And lastly, the pocket track is an important feature in train management. Waterfront to Metrotown is the most heavily used section of the system. In the very near future, the current shuttle trains that go as far as Broadway, are going to have to go to Metrotown. The pocket track is the perfect location to turn trains around as you can do it without interfering with other moving trains in the area. If the station was AT the pocket track, it would be impossible to use this feature to run shuttle trains to Metrotown.

There is really no good reason to Move the station. If capacity at Metrotown becomes a problem, then side platforms could be built. Passengers could unload on one side, and load on the other. But with the changes being made to the station I don't think that will be a problem for years. What will happen is that passengers heading to the mall will exit/enter via the East end of the platform, and the passengers making transfers to the buses will exit/enter via the West end. That basically splits the passengers almost in half, so you will end up with bunching at both ends of the platform, instead of all at the East end like it is today.

As for the construction, I think they should close the station and get it over quickly. I think it could also result in a much better end product. With it closed they could probably even put a new roof and sides on the place. So I think they should build the temporary station for people accessing the metrotown area, but move all buses to Patterson (or at least pass them all through Patterson) so that passengers have access to escalators and elevators.

[Gordon]

Short turning trains at Metrotowwn could well be an important aspect of the post Evergreen Line service plan. I could see trains out of waterfront being short turned at Metrotown but the station reno will be completed long before the Evergreen Line's in service date.

[officedweller]

Good point about short-turning and an east station at the crossover. The train would hav to trace an "M" or an "N" to drop off at one platform, then pick up at the other platform.

[Spork]

Short turning trains at Metrotowwn could well be an important aspect of the post Evergreen Line service plan. I could see trains out of waterfront being short turned at Metrotown but the station reno will be completed long before the Evergreen Line's in service date.

I believe that Metrotown renovation will start in 2014 and will take 2 years to complete, putting its completion date in line with the Evergreen Line. Given how much bitching Corrigan is doing, it could very well finish a year or two later.

[hollywoodnorth]

MAIN STREET Pre-Construction Open House

http://www.translink.ca/en/Plans-and-Projects/Station-and-Exchange-Improvements/Main-Street-Science-World-Station-Upgrades/Get-Involved.aspx

January 8, 2013 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Telus World of Science - Our World Room
1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver

[nname]

Interesting thing from that page:

Upgrade Schedule

[...]

Phase 2 Fall 2013 to Summer 2014

[...]

SkyTrain service will operate normally with the exception of Fall 2013 to Winter 2014 (4 months) when SkyTrain will operate Main Street Science World shuttle train service.

Shuttle trains: Two-car trains will provide service to/from Main Street - Science World Station via Waterfront and Commercial-Broadway Stations.

- The shuttle trains will stop as normal at Waterfront, Burrard, Granville, Stadium-Chinatown, Main Street-Science World and Commercial-Broadway stations.

- Passengers travelling to/from Main Street-Science World Station should plan for up to 10 minutes of extra travel time.

- All other trains will operate normally with the exception of Main Street-Science World Station which will become a "skip stop". i.e. trains will move through the station without stopping.

So does the existing service got a slight reduction in service (either lower frequency or with less 6-cars MkIs) or they'll run trains a lot more frequently in that segment?

Existing Broadway-Waterfront shuttle runs one-way every 12min, and obviously they're going to run it more often than that during construction. Maybe running it every 5.4 minutes (3x the headway), and have a train every 81s alternating like:

- Waterfront <-> King George *Express*
- Waterfront <-> Broadway *Local*
- Waterfront <-> King George *Express*
- Waterfront <-> VCC/Clark *Express*

If that's the case, I actually do wish they stick with this even after the construction (except that all trains stops at Main Street). This way Surrey got slight reduction in service (less 6-car MkIs) but benefits from a more even headway; Millennium Line got slight reduction in service that's not yet needed; Broadway to Waterfront got much more service [17,500 pphpd vs 15-16,000 pphpd] that is very much needed...

[Gordon]

when they start these renos at main st. station they will have to advertise this and also make sure the platform led signs are bright & clear. the ones at stadium station is very dull on bright days.

[officedweller]

Boy, is that description poorly phrased. I can see a lot of passengers not understanding it.

They start describing the plan without defining what "shuttle service" is.

They should say:

- SkyTrain service will operate normally with the exception of Fall 2013 to Winter 2014 (4 months) when Main Street Science World Station will be served only by two-car shuttle trains operating between Waterfront Station and Commercial-Broadway Station. All other trains will by-pass Main Street Science World Station.

- The shuttle trains will stop as normal at Waterfront, Burrard, Granville, Stadium-Chinatown, Main Street-Science World and Commercial-Broadway stations.

- Passengers travelling to/from Main Street-Science World Station should plan for up to 10 minutes of extra travel time to allow transfers to/from a shuttle train.

- All other trains will operate normally with the exception of Main Street-Science World Station which will become a "skip stop". i.e. trains will move through the station without stopping.

[aberdeen5698]

Boy, is that description poorly phrased. I can see a lot of passengers not understanding it.Thanks for the clarification, OD - you're completely correct about how obfuscated their description is.

I assume they're doing this because they need to shut down one end of the platform for construction at a time?

[jlousa]

Here is the link for those interested.

http://www.translink.ca/~/media/Documents/plans_and_projects/station_exchange_improvements/main_street_station_upgrades/Information%20Boards_Main%20StreetScience%20World%20Station%20Upgrades.ashx

Not sure why they are doing it the way they are, they could just as easily close Main st, and have everyone destined for Main disembark at Stadium and opertate a single 2 car shuttle back and forth between Stadium/Main. Or even easier a single shuttle bus should suffice.

[officedweller]

Not sure why they are doing it the way they are, they could just as easily close Main st, and have everyone destined for Main disembark at Stadium and opertate a single 2 car shuttle back and forth between Stadium/Main. Or even easier a single shuttle bus should suffice.

Probably because the travel pattern is the same as the existing short turn train between Commercial-Broadway and downtown - so the software programming already exists and they know the interlining (using the siding east of Broadway Station and the tail track east of Waterfront Station for turning movements) will work without undue disruption to other revenue trains. Short-turning at Main Street would require using the switch west of Main Street Station, and "wrong-side running" for a segment, which would likely conflict with desired frequencies for other trains.

Passenger volumes are probably too large for buses (and/or the cost of scheduling drivers could be high).

I assume they're doing this because they need to shut down one end of the platform for construction at a time?

Sounds like it - the operational part of the platform will only fit a 2-car train.

[nname]

Not sure why they are doing it the way they are, they could just as easily close Main st, and have everyone destined for Main disembark at Stadium and opertate a single 2 car shuttle back and forth between Stadium/Main. Or even easier a single shuttle bus should suffice.

It is impossible to operate the shuttle train the way you mentioned. There is no switch around Main Street station, so all shuttle trains must either run on single track or go to at least Broadway to turn around. And if shuttle on a single track is used, then the main line must also share one track. Single tracking on that segment means they must reduce the headway on the main line to around 12min (instead of 1.8min).

As for shuttle bus.. the boarding for Main Street station currently peaks at more than 1,200 per hour. This would require much more than just one bus... 3 articulated buses would be needed at the very minimum. It would probably cheaper to operate shuttle train than shuttle bus.

[hollywoodnorth]

starting now

see you all out

MAIN STREET Pre-Construction Open House

http://www.translink.ca/mainstreetstation

January 8, 2013 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Telus World of Science - Our World Room
1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver

[DKaz]

Did anyone take any photos? I wanted to go but my kids were sick.

[Millennium2002]

(delete pls, i duplicated a post)

[DKaz]

^^^ I only see one post...

[officedweller]

Globe & Mail article on the Main Street Station renos.

In the print version of the article, the reporter screwed up and said that the station would be closed for 4 months.

I see that the mistake has been corrected in the on-line version after a comment posted by "SkyTrain Lady"
- but the reporter still doesn't explain the shuttle service (I suspect she doesn't understand how it will operate).

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/skytrain-upgrade-aims-for-better-access/article7091485/

[officedweller]

Article over at the Buzzer Blog with pic (looks very open at grade under the platform):

http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2013/01/phase-1of-the-main-street-science-world-station-upgrades/

http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Main-Street-Station-Upgrade-West_sm2.jpg
http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2013/01/phase-1of-the-main-street-science-world-station-upgrades/

[hollywoodnorth]

Did anyone take any photos? I wanted to go but my kids were sick.

photos of what?

http://www.translink.ca/~/media/Documents/plans_and_projects/station_exchange_improvements/main_street_station_upgrades/Information%20Boards_Main%20StreetScience%20World%20Station%20Upgrades.ashx

all the info boards are there. nothing else was shown

[DKaz]

Cool, thanks.

I wonder why the east station house is so long?

[hollywoodnorth]

Cool, thanks.

I wonder why the east station house is so long?

oh ya its as big as the west one.

it will house, 2 CRU's facing main, large bike locker system with a swipe card system (unlike the key/locks used now), elevator (larger than the one on the west side much like the broadway ones with glass), escalators, tickets, gates, etc. so lots of stuff to go in there

*the west elevator will be rebuilt but there is not room to expand its size much due to the site constraints of that side*

[Mac Write]

Will there be both up and down escalators? I really think up and down should be mandatory as the next level of accessibility. Some people have trouble with stairs, but are fine using an escalator.

[GeeCee]

Will there be both up and down escalators? I really think up and down should be mandatory as the next level of accessibility. Some people have trouble with stairs, but are fine using an escalator.

From the looks of the PDF, there will be up and down escalators on the west side, but only up on the east side. They are adding an escalator to the east side as well, however.

[huenthar]

down escalators are a waste of space... the people who absolutely need them are few enough that they can use the elevator.

Translink was looking at installing washrooms at key SkyTrain stations a few years ago... considering the city-owned one at the east entrance that will need to be relocated anyways, I really hope they put a public restroom in that huge east station house. Much more useful than retail space!!

[aberdeen5698]

I really hope they put a public restroom in that huge east station house. Much more useful than retail space!!...but retail would generate more revenue for Translink...

The blurb on the Buzzer Blog site suggests that they will be shutting down one side of the platform at a time (as opposed to one end of the platform as I speculated earlier).

[officedweller]

I read that too - but that doesn't make sense. I think by "side" the spokeperson meant "end". If they shut down a side, you would need alternating single track running, which has not been mentioned.

Edit: Checked the Buzzer blog and they have changed it to "east side of the platform" i.e. meaning "end". (i.e. you would view a station longitudinally (like a ship). You wouldn't call the bow or stern of a ship a "side" of the ship).

Another example where a lot of confusion may result from people not choosing their words correctly.

Although it still says "work will be done on the station platforms one at a time" - which would mean inbound platform and outbound platform... I suspect the platforms will be divided into 4 work zones for the project - east and west ends of each platform.

[Zassk]

I read that too - but that doesn't make sense. I think by "side" the spokeperson meant "end". If they shut down a side, you would need alternating single track running, which has not been mentioned.

It does make sense, and the shuttle plan could mean either situation - one end shutdown or one track shutdown. Either:

1) most trains will pass through the station without stopping because there is one shared track and they only want the occasional shuttle to block it, or

2) most trains will pass through the station because the platform has been made "short" and the only train that can fit the platform is the 2-car shuttle.

[dreambrother808]

I really hope they put a public restroom in that huge east station house. Much more useful than retail space!!

There's already a standalone public washroom at that corner as well as a nicer set a short walk over at Pacific Central. I doubt that another washroom will be included here unless the standalone needs to be removed to make way for the new station house.

[officedweller]

It does make sense, and the shuttle plan could mean either situation - one end shutdown or one track shutdown. Either:

1) most trains will pass through the station without stopping because there is one shared track and they only want the occasional shuttle to block it, or

2) most trains will pass through the station because the platform has been made "short" and the only train that can fit the platform is the 2-car shuttle.

I think we assume that it will be (2), since there are no switches between Broadway Station and Main St. Station (which would mean that Broadway would have to operate single platform in the (1) scenario).

Track map here:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=172865

[BCPhil]

It does make sense, and the shuttle plan could mean either situation - one end shutdown or one track shutdown. Either:

1) most trains will pass through the station without stopping because there is one shared track and they only want the occasional shuttle to block it, or

2) most trains will pass through the station because the platform has been made "short" and the only train that can fit the platform is the 2-car shuttle.

No, that makes no sense at all.

It HAS to be one end only closed down, with both sides (inbound and outbound) still open.

Otherwise you have to run single track service between Stadium and Nanaimo all day (because the shuttle will be running in opposite direction one way). That is an impossible scenario for rush hour. That would result in reduced frequency to about 12 minutes. For that you would need to have long trains (not 2 car shuttles) to move as many people as possible. And then all trains could stop at Main (no need for a shuttle).

So the key clue here is 2 car shuttle trains. That means they are worried about train length instead of capacity. Why would you be worried about train length? Because there isn't enough room for a 4 car train to stop at the station because too much of the platform is under construction. Which means one end of the platform is closed.

This is probably due to the fact they are removing the mezzanine under the west side. That means the that the whole west end of the station will need to close to remove the mezzanine, stairs, escalators and elevators and then rebuild them. So during this time, the station will probably only be accessible by the east stairs. Rebuilding the east side station house will have a much smaller impact, and that's probably why the shuttle trains are only needed for 4 months instead of the whole time. Once they are done rebuilding the west side, most of the station will be done.

[BCPhil]

down escalators are a waste of space... the people who absolutely need them are few enough that they can use the elevator.


I think you are underestimating how useful escalators are.

First, you don't have to be fully disabled to want to use a down escalator. A lot of people have knee and back problems not severe enough to immobilize them, but bad enough that stairs are painful.

Walking down stairs is also a hazard to the elderly. A lot of old people are fully mobile until that one time they fall down a flight of stairs, then their life is basically over after that and they spend what's left in a care home. So why not try to keep the costs down on our medical system by having more escalators in public places. That's the whole reason malls exclusively have escalators now, not because we are lazy sad sacks, but to avoid the public scene of old people falling down stairs. Have you ever seen an old person navigating the Canada Line stations, like 41st, that have a lot of down only stairs. It's sad.

The other reason down escalators would be extremely useful at Main Street is its location. First, it is close to Science world, and as such is popular with families. And small kids are slow at going down stairs. That can slow down the flow at a busy station. And who wants to see kids fall down stairs? So it is good they will have stairs on the West side.

The other reason is the Train and Bus station. Some people getting off at Main will have luggage. They will go down the East side. So it would have been nice to have an escalator on that side too, to make it easier for travelers, especially guests to our fine city, to get to and from the Station with their luggage.

[Mac Write]

I think you are underestimating how useful escalators are.

First, you don't have to be fully disabled to want to use a down escalator. A lot of people have knee and back problems not severe enough to immobilize them, but bad enough that stairs are painful.

Walking down stairs is also a hazard to the elderly. A lot of old people are fully mobile until that one time they fall down a flight of stairs, then their life is basically over after that and they spend what's left in a care home. So why not try to keep the costs down on our medical system by having more escalators in public places. That's the whole reason malls exclusively have escalators now, not because we are lazy sad sacks, but to avoid the public scene of old people falling down stairs. Have you ever seen an old person navigating the Canada Line stations, like 41st, that have a lot of down only stairs. It's sad.

The other reason down escalators would be extremely useful at Main Street is its location. First, it is close to Science world, and as such is popular with families. And small kids are slow at going down stairs. That can slow down the flow at a busy station. And who wants to see kids fall down stairs? So it is good they will have stairs on the West side.

The other reason is the Train and Bus station. Some people getting off at Main will have luggage. They will go down the East side. So it would have been nice to have an escalator on that side too, to make it easier for travelers, especially guests to our fine city, to get to and from the Station with their luggage.
Thank you! Someone with a straight head. I think you should help push Translink to go to all stations having down escalators as the next level of accessability. It's essential, not a luxury. I am legally blind and have no depth perception. It is extremely dangerous for me to be using the stairs at Stadium station to meet my mom at Costco.

With your comment about malls, escalators should be essential by law for transnit.

[nname]

The other reason is the Train and Bus station. Some people getting off at Main will have luggage. They will go down the East side.

This is a bit off-topic, but.. if you are carrying luggage that's big enough to make you hard to go down stairs (which may not even be that big..), then use the elevator. DO NOT use escalator. It is safer for you and safer for everyone else. I had personally seen someone's luggage rolling down an escalator, taking out 2 people below it.

[aberdeen5698]

It HAS to be one end only closed down, with both sides (inbound and outbound) still open. Otherwise you have to run single track service between Stadium and Nanaimo all day (because the shuttle will be running in opposite direction one way).

You are confusing "shutting down the platform" with "shutting down the track". If they shut down one side (i.e., the inbound platform) then it just means that only the outbound shuttle train can stop at the station. And if they shut down the other side, it means that only the inbound train can stop. No need for single tracking at all. People arriving or departing from the station would need to plan accordingly.

Even so, I'm rather inclined to think that they will shut down one end of the platform, because that explains why 4-car trains can't stop but 2-car trains can.

[nname]

You are confusing "shutting down the platform" with "shutting down the track". If they shut down one side (i.e., the inbound platform) then it just means that only the outbound shuttle train can stop at the station. And if they shut down the other side, it means that only the inbound train can stop. No need for single tracking at all. People arriving or departing from the station would need to plan accordingly.

Well... that won't work too well when the elevator and escalators are in the middle of the platform. They will either have a very narrow open platform, or they'll have to build them in two parts...

[Spork]

Escalators are easily $250k/each. They are all custom made for length/angle. Factor in utilities, installation/modification to the existing structure, and you're probably looking at $500k-$750k per station that they don't exist. Not a very inexpensive proposition. You're better off adding in more elevator capacity which would be useful for a broader set of people.

[officedweller]

Strollers are banned from escalators - and likewise roller luggage would likely fall into the same category. In particular, the delay in disembarking the escalator can create a Laurel and Hardy type comedic logjam on a crowded escalator.

The notes at the TransLink link state that the east stationhouse will have an elevator (someone above noted bigger than the west stationhouse.


We expect construction to start in early 2013 and finish in 2014. Some of the upgrades you can expect include:

An expanded east station house
Escalator and elevator access to the platform at the east entrance
Reconfigured west station house with direct escalator access to the platform from street level
Additional station retail locations
Security improvements
Open station design with better lighting and visibility


Some of you may think that this means the elevator only goes one-way - TO the platform - and will not take passengers down to the ground. I would, however, think otherwise.

You are confusing "shutting down the platform" with "shutting down the track". If they shut down one side (i.e., the inbound platform) then it just means that only the outbound shuttle train can stop at the station. And if they shut down the other side, it means that only the inbound train can stop. No need for single tracking at all. People arriving or departing from the station would need to plan accordingly.

Even so, I'm rather inclined to think that they will shut down one end of the platform, because that explains why 4-car trains can't stop but 2-car trains can.

The initial copy stated:

- The shuttle trains will stop as normal at Waterfront, Burrard, Granville, Stadium-Chinatown, Main Street-Science World and Commercial-Broadway stations.

This does not suggest one side of the Main St. platform being closed so as to only serve either inbound or outbound trains.

[officedweller]

BTW here are a couple of slides from the presentation boards.

Looks like the platform is being lengthened to full length (i.e. til the guideways converge)
(temporarily enclosed in glass til longer trains implemented).
The east stationhouse will be almost at Station Street (i.e. closer to train station).

http://www.translink.ca/~/media/Documents/plans_and_projects/station_exchange_improvements/main_street_station_upgrades/Information%20Boards_Main%20StreetScience%20World%20Station%20Upgrades.ashx

http://imageshack.us/a/img138/4452/44995004.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/138/44995004.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Note that the work schedule clarifies the east and west closures of the platform.
Note the error under Phase 1 (there's an "s" on escalator) (elsewhere the boards state "up escalator"):

http://imageshack.us/a/img14/7158/66027756.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/66027756.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[aberdeen5698]

Looks like the platform is being lengthened to full length (i.e. til the guideways converge)
(temporarily enclosed in glass til longer trains implemented).
The east stationhouse will be almost at Station Street (i.e. closer to train station). Nice post, thanks.

I still don't like their use of the word "side" (as in "east side") to describe the closure - "end" is a lot less confusing IMHO.

Based on the apparent length of the platform extension from the drawing, it seems like they should be able to build the platform extension first, then switch full-length service over to it and close the existing platform for renovation. That would be a lot less hassle than the shuttle scheme. But perhaps the extended platform isn't as long as it looks.

[officedweller]

Agreed on the side / end distinction. The station should be thought of longitudinally - like a ship.
The bow and stern of a ship are not "sides".

I think the "extended" platform will be blocked off by glass (like the passarelle over Broadway at Broadway Station). While I guess they could omit the glass for the construction period, the "platform edge" of the passarelle part probably wouldn't be finished like a finished platform would be and could even be set back from the guideway (and then constructed out to the track when eventually commissioned).

[DKaz]

I had shin splints and sprained ankles before and it would take me a couple of minutes to go down the stairs.

And when I'm going down with my three year old, he's not so quick yet and I worry about him falling so I hold his hand, on a lot of stairs that means only one person at a time can squeeze by us.

[twoNeurons]

This is a bit off-topic, but.. if you are carrying luggage that's big enough to make you hard to go down stairs (which may not even be that big..), then use the elevator. DO NOT use escalator. It is safer for you and safer for everyone else. I had personally seen someone's luggage rolling down an escalator, taking out 2 people below it.

It doesn't need to be BIG to be hard to manage down stairs. Anyone visiting Tokyo or Paris or London can attest to the numerous places where having only stairs can be a major pain when lugging even a piece of carry-on.

[mr.x]

That platform extension for Main looks absolutely massive...it looks like as if they're extending the existing 80-metre platform lengths to 120-metres. I suppose they have the cash to spend on from the federal capital infrastructure grants.

Great on Translink for moving forward with these improvements.

[officedweller]

It'll be a good example of constructing retail under a viaduct.

[SpongeG]

starbucks will be moving at main street or simply shut down?

[Alex Mackinnon]

starbucks will be moving at main street or simply shut down?

Moving. They'll eventually be where the stairs are currently.

[Pinion]

Looks cool but how does Translink have money for this while crying poor about other improvements?

[hollywoodnorth]

Moving. They'll eventually be where the stairs are currently.

its not official yet. negotiations are still under way but things look to be lining up for a move across main and a larger store with more features. unless you hear the deal is done?

[nname]

Looks cool but how does Translink have money for this while crying poor about other improvements?

Its about capital vs operating investments. For capital, TransLink would only have to pay a portion of the cost and the senior government will contribute the rest. But for operation, they'll have to pay 100%.

For instance, TransLink's cost for the Main Street upgrade is $4.8M one-time (Fed+Prov $25.2M). The new SeaBus is $2M one-time (Fed $23M). Compare this to the full Hwy1 Rapid Bus at $4.9M/year, increase service on busy routes at $9.6M/year, increase service on U-Pass routes at $7.5M/year... Which project is more likely to go ahead?

PS. Just noticed.. if they choose the local contract for the SeaBus, they would have to double their contribution to $4M... Hmm.. no one in their right mind would pay double for the same thing, right...?

[Meraki]

Its about capital vs operating investments. For capital, TransLink would only have to pay a portion of the cost and the senior government will contribute the rest. But for operation, they'll have to pay 100%.

For instance, TransLink's cost for the Main Street upgrade is $4.8M one-time (Fed+Prov $25.2M). The new SeaBus is $2M one-time (Fed $23M). Compare this to the full Hwy1 Rapid Bus at $4.9M/year, increase service on busy routes at $9.6M/year, increase service on U-Pass routes at $7.5M/year... Which project is more likely to go ahead?

PS. Just noticed.. if they choose the local contract for the SeaBus, they would have to double their contribution to $4M... Hmm.. no one in their right mind would pay double for the same thing, right...?

Yeah, basically that. The Prov/Fed like giving money to capital projects because they can have a photo op and ribbon cutting ceremony for it. Providing operational funding doesn't give them that same opportunity.

"Yes, We'll buy you 150 new Hybrid buses. No we won't give you money to hire drivers for them."

This pattern of funding has led to TransLink having one of the youngest and most technologically advanced fleets in North America, but constantly running into issues trying to find money to operate it.

[WarrenC12]

If only they had the capital budget to pay for some Skytrain lines... they pay for themselves on an operational basis. :tup:

[s211]

Yeah, basically that. The Prov/Fed like giving money to capital projects because they can have a photo op and ribbon cutting ceremony for it. Providing operational funding doesn't give them that same opportunity.

"Yes, We'll buy you 150 new Hybrid buses. No we won't give you money to hire drivers for them."

This pattern of funding has led to TransLink having one of the youngest and most technologically advanced fleets in North America, but constantly running into issues trying to find money to operate it.

Fundamentally, not that much different than any university. They're building like mad but can't maintain existing structures.

[nname]

If only they had the capital budget to pay for some Skytrain lines... they pay for themselves on an operational basis. :tup:

That's the thing I have for people saying "for the same price of one SkyTrain line, you can build 3 LRT lines".. as if the cost of running each of the line is free. Everyone only cares about the capitals and get things built. But for operatings, TransLink should magically come up with the money for it. If they don't, then they are "horribly inefficient".

[jlousa]

Here is the DP application.

Notification Letter
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/notiltr.pdf

Station Site Plan
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/stationsitepl.pdf

Station Key Plans
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/sttkeypls.pdf

Overall Concourse Level Plan West
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/overallconcourselvlplwest.pdf

Overall Concourse Level Plan
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/overallconcourselvlpl.pdf

Overall Platform Plan
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/overallplatformlvlpl.pdf

Overall Platform Floor Plan
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/overallplatformlvlflpl.pdf

Station Key Elevations
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/sttkeyeles.pdf

Station Exterior Elevations
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/sttexteriorelevs.pdf

Overall Site Plan
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/lscapeoverallsitepl.pdf

East Station Site Plan
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/eastlscapee.pdf

West Station Site Plan
http://former.vancouver.ca/devapps/1399mainst/westlscape.pdf

[nname]

So, seems like there's no platform extension and the station platform will remain at 88m (with 12m of already-built future extension past the west elevator).

[officedweller]

Yeah, so no plans to extend the platforms longer (i.e. the east station house excalator and stair are not centred on the platform to allow access to the edges).

I guess that will just accommodate the 5-car scheme.

[jlousa]

Figure since the Canada Line is now part of the Skytrain network this would the best place to post.

RFP issued for the Detailed Design of Richmond Brighouse Bus Mall. Not all that much to show at this stage but some good info.

BACKGROUND
Richmond - Brighouse is a terminus station of Canada Line and a bus exchange is a key transfer location for the bus passengers. The design, materials and amenities are critical from a functional, accessible, high quality, and aesthetically pleasing stand point. The Bus Exchange at Richmond Brighouse is currently located adjacent to the station. This on street exchange serves both routes that terminate at the station and route which flow through. The existing bus exchange needs to be relocated into a Bus Mall proposed to be located on a street perpendicular to No. 3 Road. The new Bus Mall will be partly located on the site of the existing Scotia Bank building and the construction of this new facility will commence after demolition of the existing bank building.

Fairborne Homes Limited is the Developer of the condo tower (Mandarin Residences) which is coming up adjacent and on the east of the Richmond - Brighouse Station. This will include space for a new Scotia bank. This bank space will be adjacent to the new bus mall. The Developer has agreed to construct the bus mall related area located adjacent to the bank area. The purpose of commencing the bus mall design at the current stage is to ensure that the information on bus mall design elements could be provided to the Developer in time for these to be incorporated in the overall Fairborne Development’s design.

There is a lot located on the east end of the proposed bus mall on which the construction will be ongoing for a few years and hence, an interim bus mall will have to be constructed before the final bus mall is in place. The bus mall layouts for Phase 1 (Interim) and Phase 2 (Final) are attached. The design will have to be prepared for interim and final bus mall that will consist of passenger unloading bays at the south sidewalk, idle bus zone and passenger loading bays at the
north sidewalk. The new bus mall will be designed to accommodate 10 bus routes with both regular and articulated buses. A total of six (6) bays will be provided for loading and unloading along with the layover space for seven (7) buses.


Milestone Event Estimated Date
Development permit application March 18, 2013
Detailed Design Completion – Ph 1 & 2 July 19, 2013
Building permit application July 26, 2013
Post RFP for Construction August 23, 2013
Existing Bank Building demolition (By Fairborne) August 30, 2013*
Award Construction contract – Ph 1 September 13, 2013
Substantial completion – Ph 1 February 13, 2014 *
Construction - Ph 2 September 2014 – April 2016**
Acceptance of Final Product April 30, 2016**

[red-paladin]

This will remove the Scotia Bank building, allowing for the station to potentially be expanded to two platforms?

[deasine]

This will remove the Scotia Bank building, allowing for the station to potentially be expanded to two platforms?

The Scotiabank Building isn't in the way right now; it's the HSBC building that really prevents it from being expanded to two platforms for double tracking (or more like two single guideways).

[red-paladin]

Thanks.

[TransitJack]

The large empty lot behind Brighouse is getting a tower and retail on lower floors. The Scotia Bank will be part of this. Then the old bank south of the station will be removed. Expect preloading of the site to begin soon. Big piles of sand.

Speaking of near-station developments, progress is quite fast next to Marine Dr station. The gateway project has a huge pit right next to the station and now just north of Marine Dr the MC2 project has removed some houses next to the tunnel portal and begun demolishing that old 2-story building from the NE corner of Cambie and Marine

[Millennium2002]

With all the new developments and yet a lack of room in the plans for an expansion of the line, it seems like Richmond-Brighouse will be semi-permanently hemmed in on all sides and remain the terminus of the Richmond branch of the Canada Line for some time. It's a shame really... I'm dismayed that Richmond doesn't want to see the line go further down the city's backbone (that is, No 3 Road) due to purely aesthetic concerns.

[officedweller]

As part of the Mandarin Residences project, there will be a public art component that will cover up the end of the guideway with a "cap".

[hollywoodnorth]

And the east side of main street station is closed ..... And the area full fenced up to station street >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

we have lift off of the reno project!