East Sixth Avenue Traffic Safety Improvements

To support Council's 2023-2026 Strategic Priority of Safe Movement of People and the Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action - Car Light Community and Quality People-Centred Public Realm - the City is improving East Sixth Avenue after construction of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. The City ensured that any necessary work on the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre site was complete before the improvements to East Sixth Avenue started. By coordinating the two projects, we minimize disruptions.

During construction of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, temporary changes on East Sixth Avenue facilitated construction works. These included:

1. A temporary bi-directional bike lane added to East Sixth Avenue between McBride Boulevard and Cumberland Street to replace the closed Crosstown Greenway. The temporary bike lane provided connection around the site.
2. The bus shelter that was on East Sixth Avenue next to the previous community centre moved for the construction of the new entryway to təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre off of East Sixth Avenue.
3. The median at Glenbrook Drive was removed for the construction of the new entryway to the Centre.
4. The left turn arrow phase for vehicles at McBride Boulevard was turned on during the Columbia Street closure in late spring 2024 (to help manage traffic impacts from the Pattullo Bridge project). The City continues to monitor this change.

Now, the City of New Westminster will focus on creating a better walking, cycling, and transit experience for this corridor.

Improvements to East Sixth Avenue

The planned upgrades are as follows:

• Intersection safety at Cumberland Street: A new traffic signal will be installed at Cumberland Street and East Sixth Avenue to provide reliable and safe crossing opportunities for people and establish clear right-of-way for people driving. To accommodate turn lanes at Cumberland Street and East Sixth Avenue, parking will be prohibited on Cumberland Street south of East Sixth Avenue for a distance of 70m, and on East Sixth Avenue between Glenbrook Drive and Cumberland Street.
• Intersection safety at Glenbrook Drive: A new median island and flashing beacons will be installed at Glenbrook Drive.
• Bus stop: The westbound bus stop will be placed close to the front door of the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.
• Bi-directional protected lane: Changes will be made to the bi-directional protected lane on the north side of East Sixth Avenue, between McBride Boulevard and Cumberland Street, in order to better accommodate bikes and other mobility devices to the təməsew̓txʷAquatic and Community Centre.
• Additional upgrades: Curb ramp improvements will be made at McBride Boulevard, Glenbrook Drive, Cumberland Street, and Cumberland Street at East Seventh Avenue. New lighting, signage, and paint will be added in the corridor as well.

FAQs

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