BACKGROUND
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK PLAN (ATNP)
In October 2022, New Westminster City Council approved the Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP), setting in motion a five-year plan to develop a network of active transportation routes to connect major destinations, including neighbourhoods, commercial areas, civic facilities, schools, parks, and routes between different regions.
In 2023, the City began planning five routes identified in the network plan beginning with the Boyd Street and Seventh Avenue West corridors. The corridors have been thoughtfully planned to ensure they are easy to use by individuals of any age or ability, and to enhance safety, accessibility, and convenience for walking and biking within New Westminster. The improvements are also aligned with the City’s Master Transportation Plan and Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action.
IMPROVING SEVENTH AVENUE FOR PEOPLE WALKING, WHEELING, AND CYCLING
In June 2024, the City sought feedback on the preliminary designs and proposed improvements for the Boyd Street and Seventh Avenue West corridors. Many participants felt the proposed changes would improve safety along the corridor.
Learn more about what we heard at: www.beheardnewwest.ca/seventh-ave
WHAT'S HAPPENING
To better support walking, wheeling, and cycling along Seventh Avenue the City of New Westminster is making changes to Seventh Avenue between the BC Parkway and Tenth Street. This project received generous financial support from TransLink.
The planned upgrades (displayed in Figure 1) are as follows and have been adjusted based on feedback received in June 2024:
- Protected two-way bike lane: A new two-way bike lane will be added to the north side of Seventh Avenue between 20th Street and 22nd Street Station. Changes behind the north sidewalk at 22nd Street Station are underway to facilitate the bike connection between the BC Parkway and the Crosstown Greenway. Approximately 25 on-street parking spaces will be removed with the co-op/shared space being relocated on the south side.
- Pedestrian safety: A crosswalk will be added at 21st Street to provide an additional place for people to cross Seventh Avenue. Curb extensions are being added at 16th Street and 14th Street to improve visibility of people and reduce the distance for people crossing the street. Approximately one legal parking space will be removed for each curb extension location.
- Intersection safety: Small medians will be added on Seventh Avenue at 12th Street to address comments and concerns about vehicle turning movements and cyclists interacting with vehicles. Approximately 5 legal parking spaces will be removed.
- Additional upgrades: New lighting, signage, and paint will be added through the corridor. Speed humps and speed cushions will also be added through the corridor to reduce vehicle speeds.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Construction for Section 1 near 22nd Street Station is nearing completion with a scheduled completion date of October 2025.
Construction for Section 2 is starting September 22nd, 2025, with a scheduled completion by the end of October 2025. For the most up to date information on Construction and Traffic impacts, please visit the Roadworks and Construction Page.
CONTACT
If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please contact Lacey Hirtle, Transportation Engineer, at .