West Broadway closure raises concerns for nearby businesses

A sixmonth closure on West Broadway in Vancouver began Monday as construction continues on the Broadway Subway Project. The affected stretch runs from Cambie Street to Alberta Street. Traffic will be diverted through nearby streets, including 8th Avenue, and the closure is expected to affect drivers, buses, pedestrians, and cyclists. Local business groups say the rerouting could make the area harder to navigate and may create safety concerns, especially around laneways and back alleys. Neil Wyles of the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area said the businesses along the corridor will remain open, but he expects customer traffic and sales to fall during the closure. He also noted that owners in the area have been frustrated by years of disruption tied to the project and have received little direct government support.