Construction is starting on Burnaby’s first pedestrian scramble crossing at the intersection of Central Boulevard and the Metrotown underground parkade access, one of the city’s busiest pedestrian areas. This improvement will make it easier and safer for people to cross by clearly separating when pedestrians and vehicles can move through the intersection.
Pedestrian scramble crossings stop all vehicle traffic at once. They allow people to cross the street in every direction, including diagonally. Popular throughout the world in busy urban centres such as downtown Vancouver and Toronto, these crossings improve safety by reducing conflicts between vehicles and people walking.
“Metrotown is rapidly growing, and as a City we’re always looking for ways to keep people safe and connected,” says Mayor Mike Hurley. “This scramble is an important step in making it safer and more comfortable for everyone to get around.”
As Metrotown continues to grow, the City is making targeted, near term improvements to pedestrian safety in one of Burnaby’s busiest areas.
The pedestrian scramble crossing is expected to be completed in June.
What to expect during construction:
- Weekday construction from 7 am to 3 pm
- Temporary lane closures and detours
- Continued mall access for pedestrians and vehicles
- Advance notice of traffic and access changes
People travelling through the area are asked to follow posted signage and use caution.
Learn more: Burnaby.ca/metrotownscramble
BConnected
This new pedestrian scramble crossing is part of the City’s broader work to keep Burnaby connected—expanding safe, accessible transportation options so residents can walk, cycle, roll and take transit more easily. Data from the 2024 Burnaby Household Travel Survey shows Burnaby residents make over half a million trips per day, and 37% of those trips are made by walking, cycling or taking transit.