Construction Update
Construction of phase one of the permanent Agnes Greenway active transportation corridor began on July 11, 2022, and is expected to be completed by January 2023 weather permitting - Road Paving will be completed in the Spring of 2023.
Work is taking place on Agnes Street between Hastings Street and Seventh Street. Minor construction will also take place on Cunningham Street and Dickenson Street between Fourth Street and Merivale Street to install speed humps.
Construction is taking place Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, and if required, on Saturdays between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Construction Impacts
Temporary road closures are taking place on sections of Agnes Street in the project area, and single lane alternating traffic during construction may be required. Construction activities are concentrated between Hastings Street and Sixth Street currently, with staging along Blackwood Street. Detours are expected via Royal Avenue and/or Carnarvon Street. All access to commercial and residential properties will be maintained.
Update: Concrete median and curb and gutter construction continues between Fourth Street and Sixth Street. The new Dog Park construction is also underway and is expected to be complete before November 30th. The majority of concrete work and paving is complete between Hastings Street to Merivale. Please continue to follow parking signs and directions from traffic control personnel.
We thank you for your patience during this necessary work. We will endeavor to minimize disruptions; however, given the nature of the work, some disruption is inevitable. Parking concerns are being monitored closely and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Traffic detours will be in place to allow safe movement of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and transit and to ensure the safety of construction crews. Please continue to follow parking signs and directions from traffic control personnel. Work is weather dependent and subject to change.
Project Details
Phase one construction will include:
- Construction of a two-way protected lane for people cycling and rolling
- Improvements and upgrades to the existing sidewalk
- Installation of new landscaping, trees, a rain garden and a stormwater tree trench feature
- Intersection improvements
- A raised crosswalk along across Agnes Street connecting to Blackwood Street
- Traffic calming elements along the corridor
- Addition of a dog parklet
- Addition of amenities including a water fountain, bike racks, and benches
Background
The City of New Westminster is creating a new 1.0 kilometre greenway along Agnes Street to support walking, wheeling, and cycling. The greenway will include a two-way protected bicycle lane for people cycling, improved spaces for people walking and sitting, and new landscaping, trees, and street furniture like benches.
This project is part of the City of New Westminster’s commitment to sustainable transportation and climate emergency response. First envisioned 10 years ago in the Downtown Community Plan, the greenway has been prioritized in Council’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan and the Downtown Transportation Plan, adopted by Council in August 2020. Through the upcoming Pattullo Bridge replacement, the Agnes Greenway will connect directly to the Victoria Hill neighbourhood, the Central Valley Greenway, and to Surrey via the new bridge.
The project includes two phases:
- Phase 1 runs along Agnes Street from Dufferin Street to Seventh Street. Phase 1 launched with an interim design (pilot project) in December 2020 using temporary materials. The intention was to give area residents and visitors a chance to experience the walking, cycling, and rolling pathway and provide valuable feedback to help shape the permanent design.
- Phase 2 will connect to New Westminster SkyTrain Station and the Riverfront Esplanade.
Final Design
Based on public and stakeholder feedback, and technical analysis, the final detailed design is now complete, which will include a two-way protected lane for people cycling and rolling, improved spaces for people walking and sitting, and new landscaping, trees, and street furniture like benches.
The permanent greenway constructed this year will be similar in size and configuration to the existing temporary greenway. There will be no changes to traffic flow from the current configuration on Agnes Street.
Based on the preferences and priorities we heard from the public, there will be some changes to the final design features, including:
- Blackwood Street will be closed off at Agnes Street, reflecting the option preferred by engagement participants. This will provide additional space for public amenities, including seating, a water fountain, and a dog parklet.
- Additional safety features, including:
- A raised crosswalk has been added across Agnes Street, connecting to Blackwood Street, reflecting suggestions from the participants for improved crosswalks
- The flexible delineator posts used in the temporary greenway will be replaced with permanent medians, responding to a desire for permanent protection
- Seating, bike racks and other furnishings.
- Based on a desire for “more greenery” the final design includes a rain garden at the north curb extension opposite Blackwood Street, and a stormwater tree trench feature between Fourth and Sixth Streets that will reduce impacts on our sewer network.
Click here to view a visual summary of the detailed design.
Click here to view the Round 1 Engagement Summary Report
Click here to view the Round 2 Engagement Summary Report
Project Contact
For more information, please contact Peter Tsoutsouras at 604-636-4340 or email
Questions about the Agnes Greenway construction can be sent to the project team at
This project received generous funding from TransLink and the Province of BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, through a B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant.