The Port of Vancouver is seeking input from residents on the proposed Holdom overpass project, a process that will be held entirely online to encourage physical distancing.
The Holdom overpass is part of the Burnaby rail corridor improvements project, a series of priority upgrades to improve the flow of trains to and from port terminals in North Vancouver, according to a news release. The Holdom overpass itself would build a four-lane overpass, extending Holdom Avenue south over the rail corridor and Still Creek and connecting with Douglas Road. The Douglas Road rail crossing, then, would be closed to vehicles.
The port authority also claims the project will benefit the community by “improving safety and community access, creating more reliable travel times and providing better emergency response options.”
The first phase of the public engagement process, announced this week and set to run from now until May 15, is open to people who live or work in Burnaby, according to a news release.
Port of Vancouver, CN Rail and the federal government are funding the project – expected to cost $145 million, but the city will ultimately own the overpass.
The project is still in the planning phase, with three rounds of public engagement planned, including the one announced this week. It’s not clear whether the second or third stages will also be conducted online.
In lieu of in-person consultations, the port is offering opportunities to speak to project staff over the phone.
Those interested can ask for a discussion guide and questionnaire, which will be delivered by mail, by emailing [email protected].
More information on the project and the consultations can be found at portvancouver.com/holdomengagement.
