8th Avenue Transforms into ‘New Broadway’ Amid Subway Construction Detour
Substantial changes have begun on East 8th Avenue as the area undergoes a significant transformation into what many are dubbing the ‘New Broadway.’ This shift coincides with the full closure of a section of Broadway, set to last four months, aimed at advancing the construction of the Millennium Line Broadway Extension.
Construction Closure and Traffic Detours
The closure involves a segment of Broadway between Quebec Street and Main Street. This critical phase started on January 26, 2026. During this time, traffic control personnel are deployed at key intersections to manage the altered traffic flow effectively.
Detour Details
- General vehicle traffic will be redirected north through East 8th Avenue.
- Concrete barriers along Quebec Street will guide traffic, ensuring a single lane in each direction.
- A temporary diagonal roadway has been built on a previously used car dealership lot to accommodate larger vehicles.
As a result of these changes, traffic dynamics in the area are notably shifting. While backups have been observed on East 8th Avenue, the volume of vehicles on Broadway, particularly east of Cambie Street, has decreased significantly. This is attributed to the public heed to traffic advisories.
Business Concerns
Local businesses are apprehensive about the closure, which they believe could threaten their survival. Neil Wyles, executive director of the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area (MPBIA), expressed concerns that this long closure could severely impact revenue and accessibility.
Government Response
- MPBIA is urging for immediate financial relief for impacted businesses.
- There’s a call for the municipal government to ease curbside parking restrictions.
- A meeting with Mike Farnworth, the B.C. Minister of Transportation and Transit, is scheduled to address these issues.
The provincial government had previously announced this closure in October 2025, stating it was necessary for safely dismantling the temporary traffic deck installed in April 2022. This deck allowed continued traffic flow during the Mount Pleasant Station construction.
Future Developments
Once the four-month closure concludes, vehicular traffic is expected to return with one lane in each direction, while work on the remaining lanes continues. The entire extension of the Millennium Line Project, reaching Arbutus, is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2027.
As the changes unfold, the transformation of East 8th Avenue into the ‘New Broadway’ is poised to become a significant development in the area’s future transportation landscape.
