Federal, municipal and regional partners advance seismic retrofit of one of Vancouver’s busiest transportation links.
Cambie Street Bridge in Vancouver, B.C. Image courtesy of the City of Vancouver.
A major investment in seismic resilience is moving forward in Vancouver, as the federal government, the City of Vancouver and TransLink commit more than $200 million to upgrade the Cambie Street Bridge – one of the region’s most important transportation assets.
Announced on May 21, the project will modernize the bridge that was built in 1965 to meet current seismic standards while improving long-term reliability, emergency preparedness and climate resilience at the same time. The bridge serves more than 13 million vehicle crossing annually and is a key component of TransLink’s Major Road Network, connecting downtown Vancouver to the rest of the city.
Multi-phase retrofit
The project includes extensive structural rehabilitation and seismic strengthening work delivered over multiple phases. Planned upgrades feature seismic isolation bearings at all 65 bridge piers, expansion joint modifications, seismic upgrades to bridge supports and the installation of soil anchors to reinforce the foundations.
Beyond structural improvements, the project will also incorporate transportation enhancements and shoreline naturalization measures. A pilot seawall design at the bridge’s north end will test new approaches to protec ting infrastructure from sea-level rise and coastal flooding.
Growing market for resilient infrastructure
The federal government is contributing $84.4 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, while TransLink is providing $37 million, with the City of Vancouver funding the balance.
For contractors, engineers, consultants, suppliers and infrastructure investors, the project highlights the growing pipeline of resilience-focused public works across Canada. With governments increasingly prioritizing seismic upgrades, climate adaptation and critical asset renewal, the Cambie Street Bridge project represents the type of complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure opportunity expected to drive procurement activity in the years ahead.