Infrastructure Upgrade projects
We are adding longer trains to the SkyTrain fleet and getting ready for more customers on the network once the province-built Broadway Subway Project (Millennium Line Extension) and the Surrey Langley SkyTrain (Expo Line Extension) are in service. This calls for some major infrastructure upgrades to stations and platforms as well as propulsion power, automatic train controls, and communication systems across the SkyTrain network. Here are the planned changes:
Station Access and Safety
SkyTrain station infrastructure will undergo updates needed to accommodate longer trains and more passengers. These include:
adding gap fillers between trains and station platforms to improve accessibility for customers with wheelchairs and mobility devices,
relocating staff walkways along the tracks,
relocating emergency exit stairs and increasing capacity,
relocating track intrusion monitoring system hardware, and
adding guideway signage for manual train operations.
All Expo and Millennium Line stations will receive one or more of these upgrades as needed and will be managed in priority sequence, with construction expected to be completed by 2029. Most of this work will not impact transit service or access; however, some interruptions and intermittent nighttime/weekend work can be expected. Neighbours can expect to hear construction-related noise including drilling, cutting, and hammering.
Project Status
Work is being completed at all Expo and Millennium Line stations based on each station’s unique need. Neighbours can expect some nighttime construction noise at the stations below:
Renfrew Station
Expected timeline: March 2025 to spring 2027
Nighttime work will take place intermittently including some weekends from 12 midnight to 6:00 a.m.
Rupert Station
Expected timeline: April 2025 to spring 2027
Nighttime work will take place intermittently including some weekends from 12 midnight to 6:00 a.m.
VCC-Clark Station
Expected timeline: April 2025 to summer 2026
Nighttime work will take place intermittently including some weekends from 8 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Coquitlam Central Station
Expected timeline: May 2025 to fall 2026
Nighttime work will take place intermittently including some weekends from 8 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Sapperton Station
Expected timeline: July 2024 to fall 2026
Nighttime work will take place intermittently including some weekends from 8 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Other Initiatives
Operations Control Centre
TransLink is building a new, modern, and expanded control centre for the SkyTrain network with a larger data centre and automatic train control facilities. The new building replaces the current one-room control centre, making more space for equipment and staff to manage an expanded SkyTrain network that will have more trains in service.
The new control centre is being built near the existing maintenance facilities close to Edmonds station and is expected to be ready for use by 2026, in time for the start of service on the Broadway Subway extension. The control centre will also manage trains on the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension once it is ready.
Project status
Construction is in progress and expected to be completed in 2026.
Propulsion Power Upgrades
SkyTrain runs on renewable electricity, just like the appliances in your home. Trains are moved throughout the SkyTrain system using propulsion power supplied by a network of propulsion power substations.
We’re adding eight new substations across the SkyTrain network to power more trains, in order to support SkyTrain’s expansion to new parts of the region. SkyTrain service will not be impacted by construction, as propulsion power substations are not directly adjacent to stations. However, construction may be visible or audible to neighbours depending on location. Work is underway near VCC-Clark SkyTrain Station, with projects starting at other locations over the coming years.
VCC-Clark
Estimated timeline: summer 2023 to winter 2025
A new propulsion power substation is being installed adjacent to VCC-Clark SkyTrain Station. The work will include constructing a building to house the substation, installing substation electrical equipment, resurfacing the sidewalk, and adding permeable pavement facility parking.
Construction work will take place during the day primarily and within the work window permitted by municipal bylaws. During the construction phase, there will be no changes to SkyTrain service levels or station access. Once the new substation goes into service, trains will be able to run more frequently.
Communications Systems
The existing telecommunication and radio systems that facilitate voice and data communication between Control Operators, trains, and customers have reached the end of their service life and require upgrades to support an expanded SkyTrain network and remain in a state of good repair. Work is underway to replace and modernize communications systems including passenger calls to customer service and in-train service announcements.
The technology systems that facilitate communications between the control centre, platforms and trains use fibre optic cabling. The existing cabling on the SkyTrain rails will be removed and replaced to improve data communications on an expanded network.
Project status
Upgrades are in progress and expected to be completed by 2028.
