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Gateway Loop construction to begin April 3

Visitors and residents should expect significant disruptions
gatewayloop
IN THE LOOP Phase One of Whistler’s $6.8 million Gateway Loop reconstruction is scheduled for April 3 to June 30. Image submitted

Work is set to get underway on Whistler's Gateway Loop.

Visitors and residents can expect significant disruption during phase one of the construction from April 3 to June 30. Phase two is set for September.

The project has $6.8 million budgeted for it in 2017.

Plans include eight bus bays, expected to double Whistler's coach-service capacity, a 526-square-metre canopy structure, a permanent wall and gate installed at the taxi loop; and improved pedestrian routes and lighting at the site.

Businesses, visitors and residents will have limited access to the areas around the Gateway Loop (near Gateway Drive and Village Gate Boulevard in Whistler Village) during construction.

The public should expect delays, parking restrictions and single-lane alternating traffic in the area. Details will be shared online and directly with stakeholders.

All large passenger vehicle pickups and drop-offs will be temporarily relocated to Day Lot 3, and businesses in the area are being supported to work with delivery companies to find alternative drop-off locations.

More information and design illustrations can be found at whistler.ca/gatewayloop.

The redesigned site is based on extensive community input over the past several years, and will improve the visitor arrival experience as well as the usability of the area for buses, taxis, other vehicles and pedestrians.

The hope is that by making the arrival experience more comfortable, more people will leave their cars at home in favour of a "pedestrian-oriented" holiday.

"This project is key to Whistler's future success, and aligns with many of our strategic goals," said Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden in a release.

"While there will be some short-term disruption, the reconstruction work will address a number of shortcomings identified by stakeholders with added shelter structures, increased vehicle movement, improved signage, and enhanced sightlines to the Village entrance. These improvements will make visitor shuttle services to and from Whistler more efficient and attractive."

Council awarded two contracts for reconstruction of the site at its Feb. 21 meeting, and issued a development permit for the project at the March 21 meeting.