[tgill]

Originally Posted by Graeme S

I'm surprised they didn't propose a bus bridge. Wouldn't that be cheaper? A bus bridge from Royal Oak and Patterson running in just constant cycles. I mean, it'd be chaos, but wouldn't that be cheaper than building and demolishing a whole new station?

Quite simple actually, a storage or pocket track exists just east of the current station, setup some temporary stairs, some scaffolding for shelter, and a temporary platform and your done.

The RFP for the design of Metrotown Station upgrade is issued here

The estimate time for construction begin early 2014, and complete early-mid 2016.

Description of the works:
(a) Modifications to the existing Metrotown Station
(i) New east entry
(ii) Addition of a new west entry
(iii) Addition of a central entry at the elevators/central stair
(iv) Addition of new vertical circulation elements that improve access to/from the platform:
a. A new down escalator descending from the platform to the mezzanine.
b. Removal of the existing elevator
c. New stair and escalators from mezzanine to grade at the west entry
d. New stair and escalators from mezzanine to grade at the east entry
e. Two new elevators located near the middle of the platform, accessible via the new central entry
f. A new stair provided mid-platform, connecting to mezzanine and grade level (central entry).
g. New stairs and up escalator provided at east end of the platform to replace existing ones
h. New stairs and up escalator at the west end of the platform
(v) Addition of a full length mezzanine connecting all entries and providing rain protection for passenger island at grade, with each of the three entries containing fare gates and ticketing equipment.
(vi) Bike facility and additional auxiliary spaces at grade level
(b) An expanded transit exchange and a proposed passenger island under the station, including:
(i) Design of the bus exchange, including a traffic impact analysis
(ii) Several direct pedestrian connections between the exchange and the station, as well as connections between the exchange and adjacencies.
(iii) Landscape design at grade level
(c) New hoop trusses and extension of the platform roof at the west end
(d) Design to provide for faregates and equipment implementation
(e) Replacing mesh panels with glazing at platform level of existing Metrotown Station

The cost review recommend a complete shutdown of Metrotown station to decrease construction. An option considered for this is to build a temporary "Metrotown East" station at the current pocket track area. Other options include modification of bus routes and temporary bus bridge.