We're replacing the aging Mosquito Creek Bridge to bring it up to modern seismic standards. This bridge is located on Marine Drive between Fell Ave and Bewicke Ave. It's nearing its end of life, and the long planned construction of a replacement bridge is underway. Once complete, the new bridge will offer significant safety and travel improvements for cyclists, pedestrians, transit users and drivers.
The new bridge will include:
- 4 lanes of traffic
- Transit lanes in each direction
- Wide sidewalks on both sides
- A new multi-use path under Marine Drive connecting the Mosquito Creek trail
Construction Schedule & Updates
Phase 1 is now complete. The southern side of the bridge has been replaced and is open.
Placement of precast bridge elements
Demolition of existing southern bridge and reinforcement of northern bridge
Redevelopment of creek bed
Piling for new bridge
Offsite construction of precast bridge elements
Removal of remaining utilities from northern bridge
Phase 1 | Complete
Phase 1 is now complete. The southern side of the bridge has been replaced and is open.
Placement of precast bridge elements
Demolition of existing southern bridge and reinforcement of northern bridge
Redevelopment of creek bed
Piling for new bridge
Offsite construction of precast bridge elements
Removal of remaining utilities from northern bridge
Phase 2 | In Progress
Work started on September 9, 2020 to remove and reconstruct northern side of the bridge.
- Traffic is less restricted with two lanes westbound and one lane eastbound
- Heavy vehicles are not required to use an alternate route
- Left turns will NOT be permitted at Fell Ave
- Entry and exiting from Mosquito Creek lane will be removed
- Pedestrians on the south side should use the pedestrian detour bridge or new sidewalk as it becomes available
Pedestrians on the north side will detour onto the road via designated path
- Cyclists can take an alternate route, ride with traffic or dismount and walk on sidewalks through the construction zone
- Bus stops will be moved to accommodate construction (refer to onsite signage)
Note: there will be short periods during construction where a full closure will be required. To minimize traffic disruption this will be completed overnight or on weekends as required.
Phase 3 | Construction
Four lanes of traffic will be maintained whenever possible, minor lane closures may take place.
Phase 3 | Starts Spring 2021
Phase 3 | Construction
Four lanes of traffic will be maintained whenever possible, minor lane closures may take place.
Alternate Routes
Regular delays are expected during construction so If you use Marine Drive regularly, you may want to use an alternate route. Alternative routes include, West 2nd Street and West 1st Street for lower level routing, and West 16th Street and Larson Road or Highway 1 for upper level routing.
The bridge replacement will improve stream and forest habitat to enhance the biological diversity of this section of the creek.
The new bridge will include:
- 4 lanes of traffic
- Transit lanes in each direction
- Wide sidewalks and on both sides
- A new multi-use path under Marine Drive connecting the Mosquito Creek trail
The Mosquito Creek Bridge was the first pre-stressed concrete bridge constructed in Canada in 1952. It was widened in 1973 and 1981 to accommodate the growth of the North Shore community. In 2015, an inspection of the bridge’s condition recommended replacement due to corrosion.
Pre work has been completed on site to remove existing utilities from the bridge. This includes LEC pipes, water mains and telecommunications cabling. This was done to simplify the construction process.
The City will contribute $6.55 million with additional support from TransLink ($1.65 million) and the Federal and Provincial Government ($3.87 million) through the Build Canada’s Small Communities Fund. Additional funding has been requested in the City’s 2020 budget.
Mosquito Creek Bridge in 1952. Photo: Henry R. M. Murray, “Design and Construction of Mosquito Creek Bridge” (thesis submission), February 15, 1953. (British Columbia Historical Federation)
New Bridge Design
The bridge replacement will improve stream and forest habitat to enhance the biological diversity of this section of the creek.
The new bridge will include:
- 4 lanes of traffic
- Transit lanes in each direction
- Wide sidewalks and on both sides
- A new multi-use path under Marine Drive connecting the Mosquito Creek trail
Background
The Mosquito Creek Bridge was the first pre-stressed concrete bridge constructed in Canada in 1952. It was widened in 1973 and 1981 to accommodate the growth of the North Shore community. In 2015, an inspection of the bridge’s condition recommended replacement due to corrosion.
Pre work has been completed on site to remove existing utilities from the bridge. This includes LEC pipes, water mains and telecommunications cabling. This was done to simplify the construction process.
The City will contribute $6.55 million with additional support from TransLink ($1.65 million) and the Federal and Provincial Government ($3.87 million) through the Build Canada’s Small Communities Fund. Additional funding has been requested in the City’s 2020 budget.
Mosquito Creek Bridge in 1952. Photo: Henry R. M. Murray, “Design and Construction of Mosquito Creek Bridge” (thesis submission), February 15, 1953. (British Columbia Historical Federation)