Iron Workers Memorial (Second Narrows) Bridge
Background
In 1992, the Cassiar Connector was constructed and the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge was modestly refurbished (lighting changed, median installed and barriers/railings installed between the traffic and the sidewalks, narrowing the sidewalks but making it less heart-stoppingly perilous to ride in a stiff crosswind). At the time, cycling advocates asked for wider sidewalks and better access to the bridge. The result was somewhat better access on the north side of the bridge and the situation we have now on the south side.
About 8 or 10 years ago cycling advocates, municipal staff and provincial staff got together to determine the best way to regulate the bridge sidewalks. The consensus result was the arrangement now in place – cyclists can use either side but “wrong-way” cyclists must yield.
As part of the Gateway Project consultation, advocates asked the province to upgrade cycling and pedestrian access on the south side by, among other things, providing a connection between the east and west sidewalks. This could be either under the bridge (as at the south end of Lion’s Gate) or over the highway, connecting to the elevated sidewalk/bike path on the east side and therefore needing a ramp structure only on the west side. This request was deemed “beyond the scope of the project”, which apparently ends just short of the bridge head.
Crossing times
Approximate times taken for a cyclist to cross the bridge in the 'correct' lane (concurrent with traffic flow) without delays to pass other bikes or pedestrians:
- Southbound on the west lane >>> 6:45 min
- Northbound on the east lane >>> 3:40 min (maximum speed over 35km/hr)
Action
On October 25 2010 a joint committee was formed between the North Shore, Vancouver and Burnaby committees to formulate a plan for moving forward. All VACC members are welcome to attend the monthly meetings - bring your feedback and opinions and help represent the IWMB riders community.
- MEETING MINUTES
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes Oct 25 2010.pdf
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes Nov 22 2010.pdf
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes Jan 24 2011.pdf
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes Feb 28 2011.pdf
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes Mar 28 2011.pdf
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes 09 May 2011.pdf
Media:IWMB minutes May 30 2011.pdf
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes 27 June 2011.pdf
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes 08 Aug 2011.pdf
Media:Second Narrows Bridge Minutes Oct 3 2011.pdf
Media:2nd Narrows Bridge Minutes 07 Nov 2011.pdf
Bridge lane safety hazards
Photos at right show the old bridge sidewalks prior to the widening project.
Skeena & Bridgeway Tunnels
- These tunnels both provide crossings of the highway in close proximity. Skeena tunnel crosses the entire TCH just south of the IWMB providing cyclists with a means to access either side of the bridge. Bridgeway tunnel crosses under the McGill on/off ramps providing cyclists with a means to ride to and from the Portside bicycle route and E Hastings Street for points east, south or west. The Bridgeway tunnel is a great example of a cyling facility which is rider friendly.
- Consider removal of the current elevated shared pathway in the Skeena tunnel with replacement at grade alongside traffic as per Bridgeway tunnel example. This may require widening of the tunnel and may significantly alter the perception of the tunnel for cyclists.
- Which party is responsible for the Skeena and Bridgeway tunnels? MOTI is responsible for the structure which supports the highway and COV is responsible for the roadway and pathways.
Ongoing rider survey and suggestions
Details of the issues and improvements suggested to date are available on this page.