New bridge connects Canada Line to Aberdeen

Aberdeen Centre’s Danny Leung and Aberdeen Square site superintendent Tyler Brown look at the new bridge connecting the new retail/office complex to the Aberdeen station of the Canada Line.

Martin van den Hemel photo

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A new 30-foot walkway was installed at the Aberdeen station of the Canada Line Tuesday morning.

When it opens for use early next year, the Bing Thom-designed span will link Canada Line riders to a Michael Green Architect-styled 200-foot corridor to be lined with various artistic and interactive elements and with a dragon theme.

The bridge and corridor will invite travellers to Aberdeen Square’s new retail and office complex, and Aberdeen Centre mall.

Early Tuesday morning, a special 60-tonne crane was brought in to attach the cantilevered bridge, which is connected to the still-under-construction Aberdeen Square retail and office complex on one side, and the Aberdeen station of the Canada Line on the other.

Technically, the bridge isn’t physically connected to the Canada Line station.

That’s because, explained site superintendent Tyler Brown, the two structures on opposite sides of the span must be able to move independently in the event of an earthquake.

Brown said a team of 15 people, including welders and iron workers, were needed to install the steel eight-tonne bridge that’s about 14 feet tall and 30 feet long and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to build. By the time the glass walls and ceiling are installed, that bill could reach $1 million, Brown said.

TransLink spokesperson Drew Snider said the span stands to benefit Canada Line users, the developer, and retailers at the mall.

Snider said TransLink is definitely encouraging transit-oriented developments, as convenience in terms of access to transportation encourages ridership while drawing travellers to shop.

Aberdeen Centre’s Danny Leung said linking Aberdeen Square, Aberdeen Centre and the Aberdeen station of the Canada Line is important for the prosperity of the projects, and stands to benefit everyone involved.

“We are paying for the faregates, and visitors won’t have a long walk to get to Aberdeen Centre,” Leung said.

The Project Corridor will feature the works of artists, and plans call for the incorporation of an undulating dragon-like design and a slide for children.

Leung expects construction at Aberdeen Square to be completed by the first quarter of 2013.