The City of Burnaby required engineering and landscape architecture services for the design and construction of road works and improvements on Lougheed Highway. This project involved a combination of pavement rehabilitation, road narrowing, median installation, sidewalks, cycle tracks and street beautification. Burnaby’s work improved the flow of traffic, bicycle and pedestrian accessibility, and—most importantly—safety.

Binnie staff worked closely with the City of Burnaby, utilizing lighting and landscape architecture to create a safe, welcoming place for users. Additionally, staff liaised with Burnaby’s Traffic and Planning departments to suit their needs for safely conveying vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic through the corridor. Binnie designed safer access at intersections, as well as transitions from sidewalks, bike lanes, and urban trails to the intersection crossing facilities. Work included upgrading roadways to the Lougheed Town Centre Standards; urban trail design, road rehabilitation and pavement marking; and landscape architecture design.

The goal of this project evolved to ensure that as much of the ultimate infrastructure would be created with the intent of preserving it for future development to expand. The curbs, median, roads and street trees were placed in ultimate locations as well as extensive sidewalk and cycle tracks. Where constraints existed, the infrastructure was shared in an asphalt multi-use-pathway. Future developers will now be able to maintain much of their frontage and be required to add rainwater management amenities. as well as separate the multi-use path into sidewalk and cycle track wherever it exists.

It was decided that due to safety challenges and the lack of sunlight and rainfall under the guideway, there would be no median planting. This led to an artistic fence that provided a visual element but also functioned as infrastructure to stop pedestrians from jay-walking across busy Lougheed Highway.

The approach to this project was a very collaborative one. With so many important stakeholders both internally at the City and externally it was not going to be successful without engagement and thoughtful design. Since this project was originally designed three years before construction started, many of the outside agencies had to be re-engaged and various design requirements had changed. We have worked closely with the City, Contractor and outside agencies throughout to coordinate and ensure all requirements and restrictions are adhered to. 

The City took a very collaborative approach with both Binnie and the Contractor Cewe. The City’s professionalism the entire way through was a key to the project’s overall success at both design and construction. The City was open to changes that were needed along the way and provided quick approvals and direction which kept the project on track.

Over an 18 month pandemic, the construction of 2 km of Lougheed Highway from Underhill Avenue to Austin Road was upgraded with new asphalt, street lighting, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure including landscaping. The section from Gaglardi to Austin Avenue of 1 km was upgraded on both sides with brand new all ages and abilities, active transportation infrastructure. The corridor has been successfully transformed from a vehicle highway to a welcoming gateway for all modes of transportation.