St. Johns Street Redesign Project
We are working to make St. Johns Street a more comfortable and convenient place for people to walk, cycle, and access transit.
Project details
During public engagement for the Master Transportation Plan (MTP) in 2017, our community indicated that it was not easy to walk, cycle, or access transit along sections of St. Johns Street. The strategies and actions of the MTP identified the need to widen the sidewalk, install traffic signals to provide safe and accessible locations for pedestrians to cross the road, and implement bicycle amenities that appeal to people of all ages and abilities.
The MTP also identified that the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane westbound on St. Johns Street is under-utilized. The recommendation from the MTP is to remove the HOV lane and repurpose the street space for on-street parking, protected on-street or off-street bicycle paths, intersection safety improvements, curb extensions, landscaping, bus stops, and accessibility improvements.
This project has received co-funding from TransLink’s Multi-Use Pathway Infrastructure Program and the Bus Speed and Reliability Program. As well as the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program and ICBC 2023 Road Improvement Program.
To achieve the recommendations of the MTP, the redesign project was split into two phases. The first phase, encompassing the west section of the street from Albert Street to Moody Street, focused on the construction of a new multi-use path.
The second phase, stretching from Moody Street to Ioco Road, will include repurposing the space of the westbound HOV lane for active transportation. Construction of this second phase is anticipated to be tied in with development and new construction along the corridor. Phase two will also review and make recommendations on traffic flow concerns during the eastbound rush hour. This includes:
- St. Johns Street at Moray Street
- St. Johns Street at Dewdney Trunk Road
- St. Johns Street at Ioco Road
Phase 1 - (completed)
Construction began in the summer of 2023 and included the following enhancements to the south side of St. Johns St.
- improved safety for bicyclists and pedestrians with separate cycle lanes from Kyle St. to Grant St. and upgrades to the sidewalks
- extra shaded areas and cooler environment by incorporating trees, when mature, that offer canopy coverage.
- better wayfinding and orientation with raised crosswalks and green paint markings
- enhanced accessibility and mobility for all users, including people with disabilities, children, and older adults.
Complete
- completed detailed design, public engagement, and contractor procurement
- prepared the area by grading, building retaining walls, and creating curb bulges
- installed electrical conduits, upgraded streetlights, and built new streetlight bases for improved lighting
- constructed and paved the multi-use path, bike lanes, and improved concrete sidewalks
- built rain gardens, landscaped the area, and planted trees to enhance greenery and manage rainwater
- improved traffic flow with updates to signal timing plans and safer road crossings
- conducted a health assessment of street trees and addressed remaining deficiencies
- completed construction along St. Johns Street (between Moody Street and Albert Street) and Moody Street (between Clarke Street and St. Johns Street)
Results from the public engagement
City staff presented a report, including a public engagement summary and project recommendations, at the June 28, 2022 Council meeting. The public was asked to rank various amenities in order of their importance and the feedback showed a preference for having separate facilities for cyclists and pedestrians whenever possible. The community also considered the trees, landscaping, lighting, and green infrastructure as the most important elements of the project.
Phase 2
Timeline
In progress - (we are here)
- conceptual design
Not started
- final design: tbd
- construction: is dependent on development and new construction along the corridor
Contact
Engineering
604.469.4619
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