Wesbrook Mall Upgrades

The Wesbrook Mall corridor from 16th Avenue to Chancellor Boulevard is being upgraded in phases to repair the condition of the roadway and enhance safety and user experience for all modes of transportation.

The first and second phases of upgrades between Thunderbird Boulevard and Student Union Boulevard are complete. The third phase of upgrades will begin in April 2022 between Student Union Boulevard and Chancellor Boulevard. 

These upgrades will result in:

  • A new roundabout replacing the existing intersection of Wesbrook Mall and Chancellor Boulevard.
  • Pedestrian crossings across all sides of the intersection.
  • A continuous bike lane in the southbound direction.
  • An improved condition for cyclists in the northbound direction.
Wesbrook Construction
Wesbrook Mall Redesign Phase 3 Project scope and key features

Download Construction Notification

The Phase 3 project is broken into four stages of construction in order to manage the impacts to the community as much as possible. The four stages of construction with approximate timelines are shown in the image below. 

Sections of Wesbrook Mall will be fully closed throughout each stage of construction because there is not enough space to accommodate traffic and construction activity at the same time. These closures will also speed up the construction process and reduce the impact to local residents and the greater UBC community.  

Map showing construction phases and dates.
Stages of Wesbrook Mall Phase 3 construction with approximate timelines.

More details about what to expect during each stage of construction are provided below. It is important to note that some stages will overlap with one another.  

 

Note: that the dates below are to be used as a guide and are subject to change. This website will be kept up to date, so please check back here frequently for the most up to date information. The crews will work very hard at restoring traffic on Wesbrook Mall and Chancellor Boulevard as quickly as possible to minimize the impacts for return to campus activities in September. 

This stage of construction is complete with the exception of landscape repairs and signage, which will be completed towards the end of the project.

  • This work will overlap with Stage B construction in the westbound lane of Chancellor Boulevard. 
  • Wesbrook Mall between Student Union Boulevard and Walter Gage Road will be fully closed to traffic until May 29th. 
  • The west end of Walter Gage Road will remain closed for Brock Commons construction. As a result, all traffic on Walter Gage Road will need to arrive and exit from Wesbrook Mall to the north. 
  • Detour route for north / south through traffic on Wesbrook Mall is Blanca or NW Marine Drive. 
  • Buses detoured to University Boulevard and Blanca with the exception of the Route 68 — UBC Exchange / Wesbrook Village, which will use Western Parkway.
  • There is no access to the North Parkade from Chancellor Boulevard. Use University Boulevard to Wesbrook Mall to access the North Parkade.
  • Sidewalks to remain open on Walter Gage Road and Wesbrook Mall.
  • Some traffic delays should be anticipated during this stage of construction, particularly during peak hours.
  • This work will overlap with construction on Wesbrook Mall.
  • Wesbrook Mall between Student Union Boulevard and Walter Gage Road will be fully closed to traffic until May 20th. 
  • The west end of Walter Gage Road will remain closed for Brock Commons construction. As a result, all traffic on Walter Gage Road will need to arrive and exit from Wesbrook Mall to the north. 
  • Detour route for north / south through traffic on Wesbrook Mall is Blanca or NW Marine Drive. 
  • Buses detoured to University Boulevard and Blanca with the exception of the Route 68 — UBC Exchange / Wesbrook Village, which will use Western Parkway.
  • As of April 19, there is no access to North Parkade from Chancellor Boulevard. Use University Boulevard to Wesbrook Mall to access the North Parkade.
  • Sidewalks to remain open on Walter Gage Road and Wesbrook Mall.
  • Some traffic delays should be anticipated during this stage of construction, particularly during peak hours.
     
  • Paving is planned on Wesbrook Mall between Iona Drive and Walter Gage Road the week of June 6th. This segment of road will reopen once paving is complete that week.
  • This work will overlap with the work on Chancellor Boulevard.
  • Wesbrook Mall between Walter Gage Road and Chancellor Boulevard will be fully closed to traffic until September 30th. 
  • The west end of Walter Gage Road will remain closed for Brock Commons construction. As a result, all traffic on Walter Gage Road will need to arrive and exit from Wesbrook Mall to the south. 
  • Iona Drive to be closed just west of Wesbrook Mall. Alternative route is Theology Mall to Chancellor Boulevard.
  • Detour route for north / south through traffic is Blanca or NW Marine Drive. 
  • Buses will be detoured to University Boulevard with the exception of the Route 68 — UBC Exchange / Wesbrook Village bus, which will use Western Parkway. 
  • As of April 19, there is no access to the North Parkade from Chancellor Boulevard. Use University Boulevard to Wesbrook Mall to access the North Parkade.
  • The sidewalk along the west side of Wesbrook Mall north of Walter Gage Road will be closed at times to facilitate construction. Details of these impacts to be communicated directly with nearby residents in advance by the construction superintendent.
     
  • This work will overlap with Stage C, the full closure of Wesbrook Mall from Chancellor Blvd to Walter Gage Road.
  • Chancellor Boulevard eastbound lane will be closed to traffic between Theology Mall and Western Parkway at the same time that Wesbrook Mall from Chancellor Boulevard to Walter Gage Road will be closed. 
  • A detour for eastbound traffic will be provided, but to avoid delays it is recommended that eastbound traffic use alternative routes, such as NW Marine Drive south to 16th Avenue.
  • No impact to westbound traffic on Chancellor Boulevard.
  • There is no access to the North Parkade from Chancellor Boulevard. Use University Boulevard to Wesbrook Mall to access the North Parkade.
  • The sidewalk along the south side of the street will be closed at times to allow for a new sidewalk to be built.
  • Access to residential properties along the north side of Chancellor Boulevard to be maintained, but with limitations as a result of the two-way traffic on Chancellor Boulevard. Arrangements will be made with residents directly by the construction superintendent.

Visit the Constructions and Transits Updates page to learn more about other construction projects in the area. 

Project Background 

The Wesbrook Mall improvements focus on the bus, pedestrian and cyclist environment in order to help create a positive arrival experience to campus for the more sustainable modes of transportation. The first two phases are now complete and provide improved pedestrian facilities, fully repaved roadways, and new, separated, bike lanes for cyclists. New dedicated bus lanes are also in place to provide priority for those taking transit to and from UBC. 

These planned improvements were informed by two phases of public consultation done in 2015 to guide planning for the larger U Boulevard Area. The improvements to the Wesbrook Mall corridor are being done in collaboration with the University Endowment Lands, the University Neighbourhoods Association, TransLink, Metro Vancouver and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. 

Questions?

Contact Simmi Puri, Communications Manager at simmi.puri@ubc.ca.