FIVETHINGS

The Integrated North Shore Transportation Planning Project looked at but rejected five frequently suggested ideas to improve access and mobility:

ADD MORE LANES TO EXISTING BRIDGES

The province has already looked into widening the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge and the Lions Gate Bridge. Structural limitations mean the bridges cannot be expanded.

REPLACE ONE BRIDGE WITH A WIDER ONE

Initially, congestion would be relieved, but would return in few years as more people used their cars.

The road network connecting to the bridge would have to be expanded, which would reduce livability in nearby neighbourhoods.

ADAPT THE CN RAIL BRIDGE FOR TRANSIT, WALKING AND CYCLING

The bridge can’t be used for buses or bikes because part of it raises and lowers for ships.

Most often, it is in a raised position to accommodate marine traffic.

CREATE A BUS-ONLY LANE ON THE BRIDGES

A single lane dedicated to buses would increase congestion on bridges rather than relieve it.

Delays, the report says, are mostly due to bottlenecks at bridgeheads rather than on the bridge decks.

BUILD GONDOLAS BETWEEN PHIBBS EXCHANGE, CAPILANO UNIVERSITY AND MAPLEWOOD

The costs for gondolas would be high, the report found, and would not create considerable time savings compared to using buses.

It would also mean another transfer for commuters.