Date Posted : April 21, 2026
in : News and Events
Two months into the Arbutus Greenway and West 41st Avenue intersection rebuild, the project has moved decisively into its hardscaping phase - ahead of schedule.
From a design perspective, the project is focused on long-term safety and connectivity. Fully separated pedestrian and cyclist crossings, dedicated signal phasing, and new diverters significantly reduce conflicts with vehicles, creating a safer and more intuitive experience for everyone.
With excavation along the south side of the Greenway now complete, crews have already removed more than 1,200 cubic metres of concrete and 1,500 cubic metres of asphalt, marking a major progress in early construction.
The accelerated pace comes with a unique challenge. As FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Vancouver - one of the tournament's host cities - will require a full shutdown of the site for approximately one month. The project must also reach a presentable and safe condition to help welcome a global audience.
"We're maintaining a strong pace and are well-positioned to meet all upcoming targets," says Project Superintendent Kyle Blakeborough. "To offset the scheduled shutdown during the World Cup, we've doubled up crews at key stages. That effort has put us ahead of schedule."
Significant underground and electrical work is already complete, including conduit installation for street lighting, storm line infrastructure, and traffic signal junction boxes. With this foundation in place, the team is now focused on delivering the project's visible transformation through hardscaping.
Project Foreman Mike Broadfoot highlights the scale and intent of the work now underway.
"We're installing approximately 500 metres of concrete banding and around 2,000 square feet of new sidewalks and hard surfaces," he explains. "These upgrades will make the area safer and improve how pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles move through the intersection."
The improvements are especially meaningful given the site's previous condition. Once characterized by overgrown vegetation and hidden illegal dumping, the space is being reimagined as a clean, accessible, and welcoming public area.
"When complete, the transformation will be dramatic," says Broadfoot. "With new seating, a water fountain, and fully upgraded landscaping, it will be virtually unrecognizable."
Despite the progress, the site presents ongoing logistical challenges. Located along a major bus route and near a high school and community centre, the area experiences heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout the day.
"Maintaining productivity while keeping traffic and pedestrian flow uninterrupted has been one of our biggest challenges," the team notes.
From a design perspective, the project is focused on long-term safety and connectivity. ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. - the project's prime consultant, engineer of record, and civil engineering designer - is leading this effort. Richard Friio, AScT and Contract Administrator with ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd., emphasizes the impact of the upgrades.
"This project delivers a major safety and multimodal improvement at the Arbutus Greenway crossing," Friio says. "Fully separated pedestrian and cyclist crossings, dedicated signal phasing, and new diverters significantly reduce conflicts with vehicles, creating a safer and more intuitive experience for everyone."
He adds that the design also enhances the public realm.
"We're introducing spaces where people can pause and connect with both the Greenway and the Kerrisdale commercial district. Upgraded bus stops, improved bike storage, and a new bike-share station will make transitions between walking, cycling, and transit much more seamless."
Blakeborough notes that, despite daily variables and constraints, the project remains not only on track but also on budget.
"We're in a strong position right now - progress is steady, and costs are holding where they need to be," he says.
The first section of the newly redesigned and paved northeast corner of the Arbutus Greenway and East Boulevard is scheduled to open later this week, offering the public an early glimpse of the transformation underway.