“A pedestrian-cyclist overpass will be an important part of our active transportation network well into the future, so we need to make sure we choose the option that best meets the needs of our community.”

– Mayor Mike Hurley, recent press release

The Highway 1 Overpass

Burnaby Now

The Highway 1 Overpass

Initially proposed in 2019, the Pedestrian-Cyclist  Highway 1 Overpass will connect Burnaby Lake Regional Park to Deer Lake. The Overpass will integrate current Park trails into this new access development. In August 2021, Burnaby North-Seymour MP Terry Beech announced $6.8 million in funding to build. 

Claude Avenue/McCarthy Court Crossing is the city’s first choice. It would provide direct access to Highgate Village Shopping Center and the Expo Line on Burnaby’s South side of Highway 1. As well as connecting to the Glencarin Trailhead to the North. A report presented on January 24th, 2022 stated the option would be less costly to the city as well as the environment at $9.4M. It would minimize the impact on private property and third-party infrastructure, completing in line with its March 2026 deadline.

Daily Hive

The Highway 1 Overpass

The second major option in the running, would cross the highway directly along Sperling. This is in an effort to create the most direct possible linkage between origins and destinations located along the Sperling access, which would in turn de-prioritizes access to the Glencarin Trailhead. This competing option however, is over triple the price at $29.6 million. And there was uncertainty in the report as to timing associated with the Sperling option that could put federal funding in jeopardy.

Councillor Joe Keithley voiced his support for option one, saying that it could “be completed in one year”. Other councillors like Councillor Pietro Calendino and Councillor Dan Johnston supported this second major option (Option 4, see image below), as it would benefit pedestrians with a shorter walking route across the highway and would provide closer access to local museums as well as the existing Kensington overpass.

The Mayor favours option one, presenting it as the option with the best reward to risk ratio. Pointing to the big picture of a truly integrated city plan the Mayor stated “I see these connections from Lougheed Mall to Lougheed Town Centre to Metrotown Town Centre and also connections from Brentwood Town Centre to Edmonds Town Centre. And to me, this is the focal point of those connections”.

Still to come….

The Highway 1 Overpass

For the time being, the motion has been tabled. City councillors support a delay in next steps, until city staff collect more data from local residents and cyclists as to how they see themselves using the Highway 1 Overpass. Additionally, consultation is still pending with different local interests. Including talks with local Indigenous groups, amongst other stakeholders.

Highway 1 OverpassFor the time being, the motion has been tabled. City councillors support a delay in next steps until city staff collect more data from local residents and cyclists as to how they see themselves using the overpass. Additionally, consultation still pending with different local interests. Including talks with local Indigenous groups, amongst other stakeholders.Highway 1 Overpass

• Read our previous article on the Highway 1 Overpass HERE

• Read MORE about The Highway 1 Overpass HERE: https://burnaby.civilspace.io/en/projects/pedestrian-overpass-over-highway-1

• MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Residents their input regarding the Highway 1 Overpass until May 1st, 2022

• Residents will be able to attend four city plan meetings to speak to representatives and get more information. 

  • Wednesday, April 20, 1-5 p.m.: Deer Lake—Shadbolt Centre parking lotSaturday
  • April 23, 8 .m. to noon: CG Brown Pool—entrance/parking lot
  • Saturday, April 23, 1-5 p.m.: Deer Lake Park—Sperling parking lot
  • Sunday, April 24, 1-5 p.m.: Robert Burnaby Park—4th St. parking lot