Could the Lions Gate Bridge close to vehicle traffic in 15 years?

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It’s one of the most iconic structures in the city, but a 15-year-old agreement might eventually lead to the closure of the Lions Gate Bridge to vehicle traffic.

The four-way agreement between the City of Vancouver, Park Board, province and TransLink was signed in 2000. In it, the parties agreed to close the bridge to all but transit, bike and pedestrian traffic by 2030.

That was in exchange for the Park Board allowing for the removal of 47 trees from Stanley Park to widen the causeway 15 years ago, which went ahead.

But could the bridge really close?

The agreement stipulates that in order for that to happen, a new crossing would first have to be built somewhere across Burrard Inlet.

“It’s one of those things where if the other piece is not in place, it’s not likely, obviously, that you would make that change,” says current Park Board Chair John Coupar.

He says the board of the day was likely concerned with further tree removal but that the agreement itself is far from binding. “It was just a term sheet. So it was just a beginning statement sort of thing but it was contingent on a third crossing.”

And Coupar tells us he says there is little chance the province would try to push the issue.

“The province wouldn’t approach the board on that matter because their mandate is transportation. They’re not going to suggest closing the causeway without an alternative.”