Broadway Road Closure Creates Traffic Challenges on 8th Avenue

The ongoing construction of the subway extension in Vancouver has led to significant traffic disruptions as East Broadway undergoes a full road closure. This closure, initiated on January 26, 2026, is part of a major phase of subway construction, with the aim of removing a temporary traffic deck above the future Mount Pleasant Station. In response, East 8th Avenue has become a detour for vehicles, creating congestion and operational challenges.

Traffic congestion is particularly noticeable along a one-block stretch of East 8th Avenue, situated between Quebec Street and Main Street. This detour is essential for managing the complete closure of East Broadway, which is expected to last approximately four months, continuing through late Spring 2026. As a result, both general vehicle traffic and buses that typically use Broadway are being redirected onto the two-lane East 8th Avenue. Currently, while westbound traffic appears to be flowing relatively smoothly, eastbound traffic experiences significant delays, especially during peak hours.

Observations from Daily Hive Urbanized highlight that congestion can extend from the Main Street intersection onto East Broadway, affecting travel times and causing bus bunching. The 99 B-Line and the No. 9 UBC/Commercial bus routes have seen increased travel times of approximately three to five minutes in both directions due to the detour. For passengers on the 99 B-Line, which usually has a peak-hour travel time of around 45 minutes, this means slightly longer commutes.

In response to the traffic challenges, a spokesperson from TransLink confirmed that traffic control personnel have limited access points along East Broadway and Kingsway to facilitate bus movements. A temporary traffic signal will soon be activated at the intersection of East 8th Avenue and Main Street to better manage turning movements for both buses and general vehicles.

Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders and Vision Zero Vancouver, advocacy groups focusing on public transit, have called for enhanced measures to alleviate congestion. They have suggested restricting the East 8th Avenue detour to bus-only traffic, allowing vehicle access solely for residents and businesses. This proposal aims to streamline bus movements and reduce delays caused by general vehicle traffic.

Despite these suggestions, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Transit has indicated that there are currently no plans to designate the East 8th Avenue detour exclusively for buses. The Ministry stated, “Traffic conditions will be closely monitored while the detour is in place, and traffic control measures will be adjusted as needed to support safety and mobility for all road users.” Ensuring efficient transit movement remains a priority, along with maintaining accessibility for local businesses and residents.

The detour was created in collaboration with the Ministry, Broadway Subway contractors, TransLink, and the City of Vancouver. Concrete barriers define the two traffic lanes along Quebec Street between East Broadway and East 8th Avenue, complemented by traffic-signal priority and bus queue jumpers. Initially, an on-site personnel presence was established to facilitate the transition to the new traffic pattern.

Local businesses have raised concerns regarding the potential financial impacts of the road closure. Mike Farnworth, the Minister of Transportation and Transit, met with representatives from the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association to discuss these issues. Business owners are requesting urgent financial assistance from the provincial government, fearing that prolonged traffic disruptions could lead to significant losses. Farnworth plans to present these concerns to the provincial cabinet for consideration of mitigation strategies.

After the four-month closure, the 100 block of Broadway will partially reopen, allowing one lane of traffic in each direction. This closure serves to remove the temporary traffic deck installed for the subway construction, which is expected to be completed by Fall 2027. The provincial government has yet to clarify how the remaining temporary traffic decks will be addressed, leaving open the possibility of future road closures similar to the current situation.

Throughout this period, the government reassures the public that businesses in the area remain open and accessible. Pedestrian sidewalks along East Broadway are operational, and vehicle access for deliveries is maintained, emphasizing the need for ongoing support for local commerce amid significant construction efforts.