A major milestone was celebrated in the City on March 19, 2015 with the announcement of the completion of the Low Level Road Project, and the official opening of a new section of the Spirit Trail.
The Low Level Road Project involved the realignment and elevation of approximately 2.6 kilometres of the Low Level Road, between St. Georges Avenue and 3rd Street East, providing space for two new rail tracks to improve rail switching efficiency and capacity. The project also eliminated three existing at-grade rail crossings and provided grade separated access to Neptune and Cargill terminals. Works addressed safety, recreation and noise challenges associated with port operations along the Low Level Road, including the reconfiguration of three intersections and improved lanes for cyclists.
In addition, the project involved the completion of the Spirit Trail pedestrian walkway from St. Georges Avenue to Kennard Avenue, including structures over two creeks in Moodyville Park and an overpass at 3rd Street East near Heywood Street. The Spirit Trail walkway accelerates the City of North Vancouver's vision for a multi-use greenway.
The project was designed to enhance rail and port operations as international trade continues to grow, and to address long-standing community safety and traffic congestion challenges in the area.
In April 2015, the Low Level Road Project received an Award of Merit in the Transportation and Bridges category at the 26th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards. Awards were given in five categories and honour the innovation and technical excellence of the best engineering projects in BC.
In December 2015, the Low Level Road Project team (Port Metro Vancouver, Stantec, MMM Group and City of North Vancouver) was awarded the Bill Curtis Award by the Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers, Greater Vancouver Section (GVITE). GVITE issues number of awards to outstanding individuals or projects in the transportation engineering field.
Quick Facts
- The Low Level Road Project contributes to the expansion of the rail lines through the North Shore Trade Area and aims to address long-standing community needs by reducing traffic congestion and train noise.
- The total cost of the project is $101.6 million, including a federal government contribution of $49.4 million under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund. The other funding partners are:
- Port Metro Vancouver ($31.6 million)
- Canadian National Railway ($10 million)
- TransLink ($5 million)
- Canadian Pacific Railway ($4.8 million)
- City of North Vancouver ($800,000)
- The project enhances rail and port operations by adding cargo capacity through increased mainline rail and rail yard capacity.
- The project enhances access to terminal facilities for commercial traffic, enabling longer train lengths, and improved road connections to industries bordering the rail tracks.
- Environmental compensation for the project included invasive species removal, installation of two artificial nest sites for eagles and landscaping incorporating indigenous species.
- Public artwork components were installed along the new road.