Work that began last December to replace the aging escalators at Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain Station is nearly complete, however, transit users may still need to play for detours and congestion, as TransLink will immediately launch the second phase of the project in another part of the stations.
The Millennium Line escalator replacement work will conclude on Friday, September 27. That same day, work will get underway to replace the escalators leading to the Expo Line Platforms (the north escalators) at TransLink's third-busiest SkyTrain station.
TransLink says the staircase adjacent to the Expo Line escalators will also have to close during construction for safety. The elevator will remain in operation.
Passengers will need to use the escalator, stairs, and elevator across the street on the south side of East Broadway to access the Expo Line platforms.
Signs and staff will be in place to help guide station users, however, TransLink is still urging Expo Line passengers who travel to and from Commercial-Broadway to plan for about five extra minutes of travel time because of the detours and possible congestion.
SkyTrain service will not be affected.
Like the old Millennium Line platform escalators, the Expo Line escalators at Commercial-Broadway Station have been in operation for over 20 years. TransLink says the "new escalators are more durable and feature variable speed options for power-saving." The transit agency notes that the escalators will be easier to maintain, meaning less downtime for maintenance.
The price tag for the project is $10.5 million and funds will come from the TransLink Capital Program.
Work is expected to be done in the fall of 2025.
