URBAN SQUAMISH
Construction on the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project continues in Urban Squamish. The road is a 4-lane divided highway with landscaped raised medians creating a boulevard-like appearance. Raised medians or centre line barriers have been installed throughout Urban Squamish. Bridges are built higher to withstand a 200 year-flood event. New trails and the construction of the Centennial Underpass enhances east-west connectivity in Urban Squamish.
WHAT WE’RE IMPROVING
Detailed design discussion guide shows final design, plantings and landscaping, pre- and post-Olympic configuration.
http://www.seatoskyimprovements.ca/Detailed_Design/
Squamish/squamish.htm
The four lanes of highway continue through Squamish, but with a number of different treatments to encourage drivers passing through to watch for pedestrians and local traffic. In addition to the community gateway signage, there are business gateways at the commercial areas. The concrete median barriers are replaced with raised medians and plantings in commercial and residential sections.
FEATURES
Corridor Commuter Trail
These pictures show crew laying base for the Corridor Commuter trail. Starting with 3-inch minus rock, materials of increasing fineness are placed between layers of mesh and landscape cloth to prevent them migrating down or to the side. Fibre-optic cable and conduit for lighting are installed beside the trail.
Completed corridor commuter trail now in use by outdoor enthusiasts.
Grade-Separated Crossing at Centennial Way
The concrete bridge structure for the northbound highway lanes over the new Centennial Way road was completed late last fall. It has improved east-west connectivity with the addition of bus service to Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
Improved Trail under Mamquam Blind Channel Bridge
The improved trail under the Mamquam Blind Channel bridge has been sloped for wheelchair access on the east side and provides an alternative crossing for pedestrians and cyclists under the highway. With a minimum clearance of 7 feet 2 inches, it has been widened and lit.
COMPLETED WORK
The last girder of the Sea-to-Sky Highway Project was installed February 20, 2009 on the Stawamus River bridge. Work on the east side has ramped up since then and the bridge is nearing completion.
The new signalized T-intersection at Commercial Way is finished.
New two-lane bridge structures at Mamquam River and Centennial Underpass are complete.
The pedestrian overpass south of Garibaldi Way, near Mamquam Elementary School. It has been sloped for improved access and enclosed for safety reasons.
New 4-lane section between Garibaldi Estates and Depot Road (Brackendale).
1.5 m shoulder for cyclists and emergency vehicles.
Cleveland Avenue intersection improvements include two northbound signalized turning lanes. Capacity has doubled north and southbound. The pedestrian walkway is protected by a concrete barrier.
Highly reflective pavement markings (HRPMs) have been laid throughout the community.
To enhance the boulevard, clusters of native vegetation will be planted along with trees.
Raised concrete islands at intersections cue drivers that this is an urban setting and also enhance safety for pedestrians.
Audio enhanced pedestrian-activated signals have been installed at the majority of intersections.
Raised centre-line concrete medians are an urban feature that decreases cross-over incidents.
SCHEDULE
http://www.seatoskyimprovements.ca/updates/2008/080409_STS_timetable.pdf
