Burnaby Considers Five Sites for New Pedestrian and Cyclist Overpass in brentwood
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The City of Burnaby is actively seeking public input on the location of a new pedestrian and cyclist overpass designed to improve safety and connectivity across the Canadian National (CN) railway tracks in the rapidly developing Brentwood district. The project aims to address growing concerns about pedestrian access as the area transitions into a high-density, transit-oriented hub.
Addressing Connectivity Challenges in Brentwood
Brentwood is experiencing meaningful growth, with new residential and commercial developments rising north of the railway lines. Conversely, the areas south of the tracks remain largely industrial and home to business parks, including a major Costco Warehouse.This disparity, coupled with the presence of a busy railway, has created a connectivity gap for pedestrians and cyclists. Currently,options for crossing the railway are limited,with existing alternatives — the Willingdon Avenue overpass and the Gilmore Avenue at-grade crossing — spaced roughly 750 meters apart.
The City’s planning for this overpass is rooted in the Brentwood Town Centre Advancement Plan and broader transportation strategies focused on promoting walking and cycling. City staff are currently in the first phase of a two-step planning process, evaluating five potential locations: Madison Avenue, Alaska Street, Willingdon Avenue, Beta Avenue, and Douglas Road. This initial assessment will focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by each site, and how well they integrate into the existing active transportation network.
Site Options Under Consideration
each proposed location offers unique advantages and considerations. Madison Avenue represents the westernmost option, while Douglas Road is situated at the eastern end of the potential corridor. the Alaska Street site is especially noteworthy as it could potentially span both the main and branch lines of the CN railway, which extends into the 3.2-km-long Thornton Tunnel beneath North Burnaby.
The Willingdon Avenue site is being explored as a potential widening of the existing pedestrian pathways on the current road overpass. Meanwhile, the opening of the new Holdom Avenue road and active transportation overpass, currently under construction just east of Douglas Road, will ultimately lead to the permanent closure of the Douglas Road at-grade crossing.
Parallel Infrastructure Investments
The planned overpass is not the only significant transportation project underway in the area. Construction is progressing on the $200-million Holdom Avenue overpass, which will replace the existing Douglas Road crossing and provide improved safety and reliability for all modes of transportation. This new overpass will feature four vehicle lanes, protected bike lanes, and a dedicated pedestrian pathway, as well as designated “lookout†areas overlooking Still Creek. The Holdom Avenue project is a collaborative effort, funded by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the federal government, and CN. As of late 2025, the project is approximately 40% complete, with an expected completion date of 2027.
The City of Burnaby has recent experience with similar infrastructure projects, having recently completed a $25-million pedestrian and cyclist overpass above Highway 1, connecting the trails of Burnaby Lake and deer lake. Construction began in early 2024,with the bridge structure lifted into place in November 2025 and full completion anticipated in early 2026.
Public Consultation and Next steps
Residents and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the five potential overpass locations through an online survey, currently open until February 4, 2026. The City plans to share findings from the first phase of planning and present preliminary design ideas in mid-to-late 2026, followed by another round of public consultation. The intention is to reach the draft design process between mid-2026 and 2027,though a firm construction start date remains dependent on securing funding. This project underscores Burnaby’s commitment to enhancing active transportation options and creating a more connected and accessible community for all.
