Burnaby Lake Overpass officially opens, providing new crossing over Highway 1

The City of Burnaby announced that the Burnaby Lake Overpass is now officially open. As Burnaby’s first dedicated pedestrian and cyclist crossing over Highway 1, the bridge is a safe, accessible new connection for people walking, cycling and rolling.

“For decades, Highway 1 has been a major barrier for people trying to travel north–south through Burnaby,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “This new overpass creates a safe, direct alternative to the Kensington crossing and makes it easier for people of all ages and abilities to walk, cycle and roll between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake—and to the parks, trails, neighbourhoods and local destinations that make our city special.”

The overpass provides a new, fully accessible route separated from vehicle traffic. By using naturally higher ground on both sides of the highway, the crossing is nearly flat and avoids long or steep approach ramps—supporting easier travel for people using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and bicycles, or for anyone who finds hills challenging.

Safety features were built into the design, with careful attention to sightlines, lighting and openness to create a space that feels welcoming. At night, lighting integrated into the handrails clearly defines the route without spilling light onto the highway below, while additional protective elements help enhance comfort and security.

This $27.8-million overpass—measuring 5.7 metres above the highway with a clear span of 72 metres—was built by BC company Jacob Bros Construction. It uses Canadian weathered steel, a special type of steel with a distinctive rusty appearance, popular for outdoor uses due to its long life and durability. 

The project was funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which included contributions of $3.75 million from the federal and $3.1 million from the provincial government. Funding was also provided by TransLink and the City of Burnaby’s Community Benefit Bonus Reserve Fund.

“Through our Local Government Funding Programs, TransLink is proud to contribute more than $8.6 million to this project. The new Burnaby Lake Overpass closes a critical gap in the Major Bikeway Network and supports our goal of making walking, cycling, and rolling a more convenient choice,” said Kevin Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, TransLink.

General Contractor: Jacob Bros Construction
Architect: VIA – A Perkins Eastman Studio
Civil: McElhanney
Concept Design: Fast + Epp
Steel Detailing: DBM Vircon

Steel Fabricator: Solid Rock Steel Fabricating
Bridge Deck and Arch Platework: Hodgson Custom Rolling Inc
Steel Erection: KWH Constructors Ltd
Yellow Cedar Glulam: Spearhead
Apex Specialized Rigging & Moving
All-Span Engineering & Construction Ltd.
Somerset Engineering

Featured image: (City of Burnaby)