Port Coquitlam’s Kingsway Avenue is undergoing a multi-year transformation to enhance safety, accessibility, and traffic flow along one of the city’s most critical transportation corridors. The upgrades, unfolding in three phases through to 2026, aim to modernize the infrastructure for drivers, businesses, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
A Vital Link Gets a Long-Awaited Refresh
Kingsway Avenue, stretching between Kelly Avenue and Kebet Way (just east of the Mary Hill Bypass), is a vital artery in Port Coquitlam’s transportation network. Part of TransLink’s major road network, it serves as a key connector between provincial highways and the local road grid. Historically, the corridor has struggled with limited lane capacity, inconsistent sidewalks, and insufficient infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
Driven by the city's 2019–2020 transportation studies and planning efforts, the Kingsway Avenue Upgrades Project is a capital works initiative designed to address those gaps. The result? A safer, more efficient corridor designed to support growth, business access, and diverse transportation needs.
Phase 1: Setting the Foundation
The first phase of the project, which wrapped up in December 2024, focused on improvements along the north side of Kingsway Avenue between Kelly Avenue and Kebet Way. Constructed by GPM Civil Contracting, this phase introduced:
A new multi-use pathway (MUP) for cyclists and pedestrians.
Enhanced LED lighting and curbs along the MUP.
Safer driveway crossings for pathway users.
Concrete bus landing pads, tree planting, and landscaping.
Work progressed east to west, beginning near Kebet Way in June 2024 and concluding in late fall, with only minor restorative work remaining.
*Photo by city of Port Coquitlam
Phase 2: Expanding South and East
Set to begin in spring 2025, Phase 2 will expand the upgrades to the stretch between Kelly Avenue and west of McLean Avenue, as well as Coast Meridian Road to Mary Hill Bypass. Though a contractor has yet to be chosen, the near-complete designs include:
Lane reconfiguration and curb realignment for improved vehicle flow.
A new sidewalk along the south side with driveway tie-ins.
Roadway lighting upgrades and improved drainage infrastructure.
Construction timelines will be finalized once a contractor is secured, and the city is committed to maintaining business and property access throughout.
Phase 3: Looking Ahead to 2026
The final phase, expected to launch in 2026, will introduce intersection upgrades, such as new or extended turning lanes where traffic volumes warrant them. Before Phase 3 can proceed, hydro pole relocations must take place—highlighting the complex, multi-agency coordination required for infrastructure projects of this scale.
Further details on exact intersections and configurations are expected closer to the project start date.
A New Kingsway: What to Expect When It’s Done
Once all three phases are complete, Kingsway Avenue will function as a thoroughly modernized corridor. Anticipated features include:
One travel lane in each direction with a shared center turn lane.
A parking lane on the south side and parking pockets on the north where possible.
A new sidewalk on the south and a multi-use path with landscaping on the north.
Fibre optic conduit, upgraded streetlights, and extensive landscaping.
Intersection safety enhancements, including a right-in/right-out at Tyner Street.
To enhance pedestrian safety, the city plans to implement curb extensions along the north side. These will improve visibility for drivers and walkers using the MUP, while preserving most of the existing parking.
Navigating Construction Impacts
As with any major infrastructure overhaul, short-term disruptions are part of the process. Residents and businesses along Kingsway Avenue should expect:
Temporary traffic delays, detours, and equipment movement during peak construction periods.
Boulevard adjustments, including regrading, landscape changes, or relocation of encroachments like fences or sprinkler systems.
Business access maintenance, with clear signage and advance notice for any temporary closures or alternate routes.
The city and its contractors will maintain open lines of communication throughout, ensuring stakeholders are informed and supported.
The Kingsway Avenue Upgrades are more than just a facelift—they’re a reimagining of how this key corridor supports the people and businesses of Port Coquitlam. Curious how this transformation could shape the future of your neighbourhood? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like this so our clients always stay informed. Want to be one of them?