Vancouver Road Construction and Bridge Closures That Will Affect Your Move (2026)
Comprehensive 2026 guide to Metro Vancouver road construction, bridge weight and height restrictions, truck routes, and detour strategies for movers — covering the Broadway Subway closure, Massey Tunnel replacement, new Riverview Bridge, and more.
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Why Vancouver Road Construction Matters for Your Move
Metro Vancouver is in the middle of over $10 billion in simultaneous infrastructure projects in 2026. According to the TomTom 2025 Traffic Index, Vancouver is the 4th most congested city in North America and the worst in Canada — drivers lost 112 hours to rush-hour traffic last year, with a 56.5% congestion level. The INRIX 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard pegged it at 46 hours lost per driver annually.
For movers, that congestion is compounded by active construction zones, bridge restrictions, and lane closures across the region. This guide covers every major project, bridge restriction, and detour you need to know to plan your 2026 move.
Broadway Subway Extension: The Biggest Disruption in 2026
The Broadway Subway project is a $2.954-billion, 5.7 km extension of the SkyTrain Millennium Line from VCC-Clark to Arbutus Street, adding six underground stations. Built by the ACCIONA-Ghella joint venture (60/40 split) under a $1.73-billion design-build contract, the project was originally targeted for late 2025 but has been delayed to Fall 2027 due to tunnelling complications and utility relocations.
The January 2026 Broadway Closure
The most significant road closure in Vancouver right now: East Broadway is fully closed to all vehicles between Main Street and Quebec Street, 24 hours a day, starting January 26, 2026, for approximately four months. Construction crews are removing the temporary four-lane traffic deck built in April 2022 over the Mount Pleasant Station excavation. (CBC News)
Detour Routes
Primary detour: All traffic — including the 99 B-Line and No. 9 bus routes — is rerouted via East 8th Avenue. Transit riders can expect 3–5 minute delays in each direction.
East-west alternatives: Use 12th Avenue or 16th Avenue instead of Broadway when crossing the corridor.
Avoid rush hours: 7–9 AM and 3:30–6:30 PM combine construction and commuter traffic for maximum congestion.
Check weekly updates: The Broadway Subway current work page posts weekly construction notices and temporary closures.
Affected Neighbourhoods
Moves in Kitsilano, Fairview, Mount Pleasant, and the Broadway Corridor are all directly impacted. Broadway between Clark Drive and Arbutus has ongoing lane reductions, detours, and temporary closures. Traffic deck removal will continue at all five station sites throughout 2026, followed by dynamic test-train operations through 2027.
George Massey Tunnel Replacement (Highway 99)
The George Massey Tunnel replacement is one of BC’s largest infrastructure projects: a $4.15-billion, 8-lane immersed-tube tunnel replacing the aging 4-lane tunnel (built 1959) between Richmond and Delta on Highway 99. The project is being delivered by the Cross Fraser Partnership (Bouygues, FCC, Pomerleau, Arcadis).
Key Facts
Six tunnel segments, each approximately 60,000 tonnes, 130 m long and 45 m wide — about the size of a football field — will be prefabricated on Deas Island. (Daily Hive)
Configuration: 3 general-purpose lanes + 1 dedicated transit lane in each direction, plus a separated multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
Current traffic: ~80,000 vehicles use the existing tunnel daily.
Existing tunnel height restriction: 4.15 metres (13′ 7″) — most standard moving trucks fit, but measure first.
Target completion: 2030. The existing tunnel remains operational until the new one opens.
2026 Construction Impacts
Major construction begins in 2026. Currently, there are intermittent overnight lane closures along Highway 99 between Westminster Highway and Highway 17. The Highway 99 Tunnel current work page has the latest closures and schedules.
Alternatives for Movers
Alex Fraser Bridge (Highway 91) — 7 lanes with moveable zipper barrier, no height restrictions, connects New Westminster to North Delta. Best Massey Tunnel alternative.
Use the Oak Street Bridge to Knight Street Bridge route for an alternate Richmond-to-Delta path.
Plan tunnel crossings for off-peak hours (10 AM – 2 PM or after 7 PM).
New Riverview Bridge (Pattullo Replacement)
The 89-year-old Pattullo Bridge was permanently closed on February 14, 2026, replaced by the stal’aw’asam (Riverview) Bridge — a 167-metre cable-stayed tower (the tallest in BC), with four lanes expandable to six, dedicated cycling and walking lanes, and a concrete centre median. (Surrey Now-Leader)
What Movers Need to Know
The new bridge is toll-free with no special weight restrictions.
Columbia Street in New Westminster is closed for 4–6 weeks (from late Feb 2026) for tie-in work between McBride Blvd and Elliot St. Detour via Royal Avenue. (BC Gov)
Front Street fully closed for up to 6 months for old bridge deconstruction above it.
The project finished at $1.637 billion (up from $1.377B originally) and was approximately 3 years behind schedule. (Daily Hive)
Lions Gate Bridge: Critical Restrictions for Moving Trucks
The Lions Gate Bridge is the most restrictive crossing in Metro Vancouver for moving trucks. Its 13-tonne GVW limit has been in place since 1974 due to deck strength limitations — and it is strictly enforced. (Truck News)
Why This Matters for Your Move
A fully loaded 5-ton (26-foot) moving truck has a GVWR of 10,000–14,000 kg. That puts it right at or above the 13-tonne limit. (Dysco Truck Rental) This means most full-house moves to or from the North Shore cannot use the Lions Gate Bridge. Professional movers route 5-ton trucks via the Ironworkers Memorial (Second Narrows) Bridge instead.
Counterflow Schedule
Morning (6 AM – ~9:30 AM): 2 lanes southbound, 1 lane northbound
Evening (~3 PM – 7 PM): 2 lanes northbound, 1 lane southbound
The moveable barrier system (upgraded 2021–2022) adjusts based on real-time traffic. (TranBC)
Bottom line: If your move involves the North Shore and a large truck, use Ironworkers Memorial. Always tell your moving company your exact addresses so they can plan the right crossing.
Metro Vancouver Bridge Quick Reference for Movers
Lions Gate Bridge
Weight limit: 13 tonnes GVW — heavy moving trucks prohibited
Lanes: 3 (reversible counterflow)
Key note: Not a designated truck route. No wide loads. Use Ironworkers for loaded 5-ton trucks.
Ironworkers Memorial (Second Narrows)
Weight limit: No special restriction for standard commercial vehicles
Lanes: 6 lanes (3 each direction) + 2 multi-use paths
Highway: Trans-Canada Highway 1 — the preferred crossing for all loaded moving trucks to the North Shore
Alex Fraser Bridge
Lanes: 7 (3 each direction + 1 reversible centre lane via moveable zipper barrier)
Highway: Highway 91 — connects New Westminster to North Delta
Tolls: None (never been tolled)
Key note: Best alternative to the Massey Tunnel. Weigh-in-motion technology on southbound side.
Port Mann Bridge
Lanes: 10 (5 each direction) — widest bridge in the region
Highway: Trans-Canada Highway 1
Tolls: Removed September 1, 2017 — completely toll-free. (BC Gov)
Key note: Rarely a bottleneck. No special restrictions for standard commercial vehicles.
Oak Street Bridge
Lanes: 4
Highway: Highway 99 — standard route for Vancouver-to-Richmond moves
Key note: No special restrictions. Seismic retrofit completed 1993–2004; no funded replacement project as of 2026.
Knight Street Bridge
Lanes: 4
Key note: Vancouver’s busiest truck route — a major freight corridor. Good alternative to congested Oak Street for East Vancouver to Richmond moves.
Riverview Bridge (New Pattullo)
Lanes: 4 (expandable to 6)
Opened: February 14, 2026
Tolls: None
Key note: Modern cable-stayed bridge, no special restrictions. Replaces the old Pattullo.
Truck Route Height and Weight Restrictions
Vancouver has designated truck routes with specific clearance requirements that every mover needs to know:
Designated truck routes: 4.12 m (13′ 6″) minimum clearance
Non-truck-route streets: 3.81 m (12′ 6″) minimum clearance — some residential underpasses are even lower
BC provincial maximum vehicle height: 4.15 m (13′ 7″) — vehicles over this need a special permit
GVW threshold: Vehicles over 11,800 kg must use designated truck routes. (City of Vancouver)
Download the official Vancouver Truck Route Map (PDF) before your move.
Moving Truck Sizes at a Glance
Cargo van (9–10 ft): ~2.7 m tall, well under 5,000 kg — fits everywhere
16 ft / 3-ton: ~3.4–3.7 m tall, 7,000–10,000 kg loaded — generally under Lions Gate limit
22–26 ft / 5-ton: ~3.8–4.1 m tall, 10,000–14,000 kg loaded — may exceed Lions Gate 13-tonne limit and approaches height clearances. (Dysco)
Metro Vancouver’s Overpass Strike Problem
Metro Vancouver recorded 26 overpass strikes in 2024 alone — a new record. Problem spots include the railway overpass near 232nd Street in Langley (4.4 m clearance, far below the 5.2 m modern standard) and overpasses along Highway 99 in Richmond. (Langley Advance Times) If you’re renting a truck for a DIY move, measure your loaded truck height and check clearances using DriveBC’s Height Clearance Tool.
Other Major Construction Zones Affecting Moves in 2026
Highway 1 Widening (Fraser Valley)
The Highway 1 Corridor Improvement Program spans 60 km across the Lower Mainland with over $2.4 billion earmarked. Phase 2 (216th to 264th Street) is already $140 million over budget and running years late. Phase 3B (Mount Lehman Road to Highway 11) at $2.65 billion begins major construction in 2026. Expect intermittent lane closures between Brunette Avenue and Cape Horn interchange affecting moves between Vancouver and the Tri-Cities or Fraser Valley.
Surrey-Langley SkyTrain Extension
The Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension has reduced Fraser Highway to single-lane traffic along most of the corridor, with construction running 7 days a week. Target opening is late 2029. Local businesses report significant drops in foot traffic — lunch customers at one restaurant dropped by half. Moves along the Fraser Highway corridor should expect substantial delays.
New St. Paul’s Hospital (False Creek Flats)
The new St. Paul’s Hospital at 1002 Station Street is targeting construction completion in Summer 2026 and hospital opening in Spring 2027. Prior Street is being upgraded with wider lanes, bike infrastructure, and earthquake-resistant roads. Moves in Mount Pleasant and Strathcona should expect lane reductions and controlled truck routes near the site.
Marpole Sewer Upgrades
A $20-million sewer replacement project in Marpole is replacing aging combined sewer infrastructure along Granville Street. Through Spring 2026: Granville Street is reduced to one lane each direction between W 57th and W 64th Avenues, with full closures on W 59th and W 62nd Avenues. Marine Drive at Fraser Street is also reduced to one lane each direction on weekdays 7 AM–3 PM.
Coquitlam River Bridge Upgrade (Highway 1)
A $6.5-million seismic upgrade of the Coquitlam River Bridge on Highway 1 runs through Fall 2026. Nighttime lane closures on Saturdays with approximately 5-minute delays along the corridor during daytime.
Vancouver Traffic Congestion: The Numbers
Understanding the baseline congestion helps you plan realistic moving timelines:
TomTom 2025: Vancouver drivers spend 56.5% more time on roads due to traffic. Morning rush: 29 minutes 33 seconds to travel just 10 km (64.6% more than free flow). (TomTom)
INRIX 2025: Vancouver ranked 79th worst globally and 3rd worst in Canada. Morning commute last-mile speed into downtown: just 30 km/h. (INRIX)
Economic cost: A C.D. Howe Institute study estimated Metro Vancouver congestion costs $500 million to $1.2 billion per year in hidden economic losses (2015 figures, likely higher today). (C.D. Howe Institute)
Peak construction season: July through September is when road repairs, repaving, and utility work all converge with infrastructure mega-projects that run year-round.
Moving Day Logistics: Parking, Permits, and Noise Rules
Street Parking for Moving Trucks
Large vehicles (moving vans): Can park on street for up to 3 hours between 6 AM and 10 PM. (City of Vancouver)
Vehicles over 6.4 m (21 ft): Prohibited from on-street parking overnight (10 PM – 6 AM).
Temporary Street Occupancy Permit: Reserve curb space or metered spots for your moving truck. Apply 7–10 business days in advance. Residents do not need to provide insurance. (City of Vancouver Permits)
Noise Bylaws (Bylaw 6555)
Outside downtown (street construction): 7 AM – 8 PM weekdays, 10 AM – 8 PM Saturdays/Sundays/holidays
Private property: 7:30 AM – 8 PM weekdays, 10 AM – 8 PM Saturdays. No Sunday work permitted without an exception permit.
Downtown: 6 AM – midnight weekdays, 10 AM – midnight weekends/holidays
Moving activities are not classified as “construction” under the bylaw, but your crew will need to work within reasonable hours, and moves near active construction sites will be subject to ambient noise, truck route restrictions, and lane closures. (City of Vancouver – Construction Noise)
Planning Your Moving Route: Pro Tips
Share both addresses with your mover: Professional movers in Vancouver are familiar with current closures, but discussing route options in advance — especially for bridge crossings or Broadway corridor moves — prevents surprises on moving day.
Check real-time conditions: Use DriveBC for provincial highways, City of Vancouver Road Ahead for city closures, and Vancouver Traffic Cameras (updated every 10–15 minutes) for live conditions.
Avoid peak construction season: If you have flexibility, moving in October through April avoids the worst of Metro Vancouver’s construction season, when road repairs, repaving, and utility work peak.
Budget extra time for North Shore moves: Bridge congestion at rush hour adds 30–60 minutes. If using Ironworkers Memorial (as you must for a loaded 5-ton truck), plan your crossing for mid-morning or early afternoon.
Measure your truck: If renting for a DIY move, measure your loaded height and check it against the DriveBC Height Clearance Tool and the Vancouver Truck Route Map.
Sources and Further Reading
Author
Walter Lyng is a multifaceted writer, marketing specialist and performer based out of his hometown of Montreal. Trained as a journalist, Walter spent several years working at a community newspaper before going on to work for companies such as Audible, Mattel and Bell Canada. Breaking into the stand-up comedy world in his early 20s, Walter has performed in venues and festivals throughout the country. He is a Just For Laughs recording artist and his comedy can be heard regularly on Sirius XM satellite radio.