STARTING on Sunday, May 25, Cordova Street will become two-way for vehicle traffic between Richards Street and Gore Avenue.

This change will support public space enhancements on Water Street, car-free Pedestrian Zone Sundays, and improve access for residents, service providers and visitors, the City Of Vancouver announced on Friday.

The City said that converting Cordova Street to two-way traffic is expected to significantly improve vehicle circulation and access to the area during pedestrian zone days planned in Gastown. This change will also provide valuable insights into a potential future expansion to the Powell Street overpass.

Additionally, traffic lanes on Powell Street between Gore Avenue and Columbia Street will be modified to encourage through-traffic to divert to Cordova. Staff will closely monitor the area and make adjustments as needed.

Cordova Street is expected to return to a one-way eastbound street by late September.

Drivers are reminded to observe all updated traffic signals, signage, lane markings and speed limits while navigating the new two-way sections of Cordova Street and modified lanes on Powell Street.

Work preparing to make Cordova Street two-way is already underway. Eastbound vehicle travel will be retained during this work.

On Sunday, May 25, Cordova will be fully open as a two-way street.

This summer’s car-free Pedestrian Zone Sundays, public space enhancements and temporary changes to Cordova Street will help inform the Gastown Public Spaces Plan, which will guide future investments in the area.