Transportation During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Friday, March 12, 2010

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games was the largest special event ever hosted by Metro Vancouver and is one of the largest staged events in the world. On a typical Games day approximately 500,000 additional person-trips took place throughout Metro Vancouver.

To meet the transportation challenges posed by the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) and its partners developed a comprehensive Games Transportation Plan, intended to provide an effective and functional transportation network for athletes, technical officials, media and spectators. The ultimate success of the Plan was measured by one’s ability to move seamlessly throughout Metro Vancouver and in particular, to and from venue sites.

Given significant reductions in road and parking capacity required for Games security and the efficient movement of athletes, technical officials, media and spectators, the Plan focuses on shifting modes of transportation away from the single occupant vehicle. A minimum thirty (30) percent reduction in demand must be achieved to meet that goal. That is at least one in three persons making a conscious decision to travel by a different means. To encourage and assist individuals with making a “modal shift,” VANOC and its partners will be providing Games time communications through its “Know Before You Go” campaign.

An Integrated Approach: 

West Vancouverites can play a significant role in ensuring the success of the Games Transportation Plan. By making a personal commitment to travel by a means other than the single occupant vehicle for the duration of the Games, West Vancouverites will ensure their success.

Following are a few suggestions for reducing vehicle trips:

  • School closures will have a significant impact on trip reduction during the Games. It is conservatively estimated that there will be 12,000 fewer vehicle trips in West Vancouver as a result
  • Carpool with a friend or co–worker
  • Take a Blue Bus. During the Games there will be more buses providing more frequent service
  • Ride your bicycle
  • Walk or run
  • Modify your work hours
  • Telework from home

What should motorists travelling to and from West Vancouver expect?

Lions Gate Bridge and Iron Workers Memorial Bridge

  • Both bridges are intended to operate with the existing lane configuration other than a dedicated Olympic Lane on the northbound approaches (Georgia Street, Hastings Street and McGill Street) to each bridge.
  • The Lions Gate Bridge Counterflow will continue to operate as two lanes southbound during the AM peak period, two lanes northbound during the PM peak period and alternating southbound/northbound during the intervening period.

Capilano River Bridge (Blue Bridge)

  • Construction of the new Capilano River Bridge will be suspended until after the Games.

Taylor Way

  • A dedicated westbound to northbound right turn lane from Marine Drive will be in place to provide an unimpeded turning movement for Olympic vehicles. The dedicated right turn lane will require the closure of the most easterly northbound through lane crossing Marine Drive at Taylor Way.

Cypress Bowl Road

  • Cypress Bowl Road will be closed to the general public beyond the District of West Vancouver Operations Centre. Only vehicles with the appropriate accreditation will be allowed beyond that point.

Highway 99

  • The Upper Levels Highway is intended to operate with the existing lane configuration.
  • Highway 99 north of Squamish will be controlled by a northbound checkpoint between 6 am and 6 pm daily.  Only permitted vehicles will be allowed access north during that time.

Downtown Vancouver and Whistler

  • Road and parking capacity within both communities will be significantly restricted.  A minimum thirty (30) percent reduction in demand must be achieved. You can assist by avoiding the use of your vehicle if possible.

Marine Drive

  • There are no vehicle restrictions planned for Marine Drive throughout the Games.  On the day of the Torch Relay there will however be a closure and detour in effect.  Please reference details below.

West Vancouver Torch Relay

Community Centre Celebration Site

Blue Bus Service 

West Vancouver Blue Bus will be enhancing its service between February 12th and 28th. The Blue Bus #250, 253, 255, 256 all stop in front of the West Vancouver Community Centre Spirit Square. These buses operate daily every 5 to 8 minutes along Marine Drive.

If you are traveling westbound the bus stop is located at the corner of Marine Drive and 22nd Street.  If you are traveling eastbound there are two bus stops, one at the corner of Marine Drive and 22nd Street and another at the corner of 21st Street and Marine Drive. For detailed information please visit the bus schedules or call 604-985-7777.

Seniors Shuttle Bus Service

The Seniors Shuttle Bus Service will be in operation for the duration of the Games. The shuttle service pick up/drop off will remain in its current location at the east parking plaza off of 21st Street.

Emergency Services

District staff, fire and police have been working together throughout the development of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Transportation Plan to ensure public safety and emergency access at all times. In the event of an emergency please pull your vehicle to the side of the road to allow for emergency vehicles to pass and/or to follow all directions given by emergency services providers. Also, make a habit of checking the various media (radio, newspaper, web sites) regularly to remain informed and have a positive 2010 Olympic Winter Games experience!

Questions? Please direct all inquires to:
Brent Dozzi, phone 604-925-7157

More Information: