Pioneer Way Extension project gets underway with phase 1

Three-phased project will re-direct arterial traffic away from North Yards residential area, improve active transportation connectivity and provide direct entry to Squamish Business Park from the north

The District of Squamish is moving forward with a major capital project to extend Pioneer Way from Queens Way to the intersection of Government Road and Centennial Way. Identified as a priority in the District’s 2031 Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, this project will transform Pioneer Way into an arterial route and major entry into the Squamish Business Park while reducing traffic from the surrounding residential area and creating a stronger link to the Discovery Trail. Work on phase 1 is set to begin on November 23 along Pioneer Way. 

“This is a key project in our pursuit to improve the overall connectivity and transportation safety throughout Squamish, and will improve north-south connectivity, reduce traffic through the North Yards neighbourhood, and improve linkages to the Discovery Trail, one of our two primary active transportation travel routes,” says Mayor Karen Elliott. “The project is being funded through contributions developers have made to the Development Cost Charges bylaw, which is in place to help pay for growth-related infrastructure needs as our population increases.”

Upon completion of the three phases, the project will feature a two-lane expansion, sidewalks, a paved multi-use separated pathway, roadway lighting, new storm infrastructure, intersection upgrades and the upgrade of the Discovery Trail to Government Road. 

Phase 1

Phase 1 is planned to take place from November 2020 to June 2021, and will see Pioneer Way from Queens Way to Discovery Way closed to all vehicle traffic. Work in phase 1 will include: installation of storm infrastructure; roadway lighting; infrastructure for future signalized intersection at Queens Way and Pioneer Way; vegetation removal and grading; and construction of a paved multi-use pathway on the south side of Pioneer Way to Discovery Way.

Phase 2 and 3

Phase 2 will involve design and construction of the stretch from Discovery Way to Aspen Road (2021-2022). Phase 3 will involve design and construction of the stretch from Aspen Road to Government Road. The start date for the third phase of the project is not known at this time as the future road alignment on this stretch has not been finalized and will require further investigation.

The closure of Pioneer Way will impact some members of the vehicle dwelling community who have been gathering along this road, which will now be closed. A list of resources to support this community can be found at squamish.ca/social-services.

Developed in 2010, the 2031 Multi-modal Transportation Plan is a critical element for the District of Squamish to plan, maintain, and manage connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors to the community. One of the key goals of the plan is to promote an accessible and connected Squamish from north to south and east to west.

This project is fully funded by Development Cost Charges (DCCs).

Residents can follow along with the project progress at Squamish.ca/Building-our-future.

November 20, 2020