New Expo Line elevators and Millennium Line escalators coming to four stations

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – TransLink is continuing to modernize SkyTrain stations and improve accessibility across the system. Later this month, elevators will be replaced at Burrard and Royal Oak stations on the Expo Line; while escalator replacement work starts at Gilmore and Production Way–University stations on the Millennium Line.

These upgrades are replacing decades-old equipment with new infrastructure designed to reduce disruptions and ensure service reliability. Additional staff and signage will be in place at the affected stations to direct customers.

Expo Line elevator replacements

Elevator replacement work starts at Burrard Station on July 21. The station elevator will be closed until spring 2027 while work is completed:

• Customers who require elevator access can travel along Dunsmuir Street to Granville Station’s accessible entrance, or take the #5 Downtown/Robson bus from Burrard Station to Stadium–Chinatown Station.

• Customers should allow about 20 minutes of extra travel time.

Elevator replacement work starts at Royal Oak Station on July 28. The elevator closure at this station is expected to last less than four months:

• Customers who require elevator access can take the #148 Edmonds Station/Royal Oak Station bus.
• Customers should plan for roughly 30 minutes of extra travel time.

The ongoing Expo Line Elevator Replacement Program is upgrading 21 original elevators across 15 stations with modern replacements that have 20 per cent more capacity and are more reliable. Nine new Expo Line elevators are already in service.

Millennium Line escalator replacements

TransLink is also replacing 24 escalators on the Millennium Line; four new escalators are already operating at Commercial–Broadway Station.

Escalator replacement work begins at Gilmore and Production Way–University stations on July 20:

Gilmore Station

• All three escalators will be replaced, one at a time, between summer 2026 and early 2029.

• The first replacement is expected to be completed in spring 2027.

• During the closure, customers can continue using the stairs and elevator to access the SkyTrain platform level.

Production Way–University Station 

• The station’s only escalator will be replaced, with work expected to be complete in summer 2027.

• During the closure, customers can continue using the stairs and elevator to access the SkyTrain platform level.

The existing Millennium Line escalators have been in service since 2002. The upgraded escalators are designed to be smoother, more reliable, energy efficient, and easier to maintain.

TransLink thanks customers for their patience throughout these important infrastructure upgrades. Customers can visit the Station Access Alerts page, follow @TransLink on X for accessibility impacts, and sign up to receive personalized Transit Alerts about specific routes and stations. For real-time wayfinding and help with trip planning, use the Transit app or call Customer Information at 604.953.3333.

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca