Changes could be coming to Mountain Highway as District considers safety upgrades

People traveling between Lynn Valley and Highway 1 could see changes to one of the area's busiest roads in the coming years. The District of North Vancouver is considering a series of safety and traffic improvements along Mountain Highway, a key route connecting Lynn Valley Town Centre with Lynn Creek Town Centre, Highway 1 and beyond. At a March 30 council workshop, staff presented five possible design changes for the southern end of Mountain Highway near the Highway 1 interchange.

The proposals include widening Mountain Highway from three lanes to four between Highway 1 and Arborlynn Drive, creating two lanes in each direction. Staff also suggested changing the lane configuration north of Arborlynn Drive to help reduce congestion by allowing vehicles to pass stopped buses. Other proposed changes include restricting southbound left turns onto Arborlynn Drive, keeping the northbound slip lane and building new multi-use pathways between Highway 1 and Arborlynn Drive.

According to the district, the changes are intended to reduce congestion heading toward Highway 1, improve local access, improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, and close a gap in the active transportation network. The project is expected to cost between $2.5 million and $3 million. Up to $1.5 million in TransLink funding could help pay for the cycling infrastructure. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2027 or 2028.

Mountain Highway has been identified as a priority corridor for safety and mobility improvements. The district says the route carries approximately 15,000 vehicles each day and has a higher number of collisions than many other district roads. The pavement is also nearing the end of its lifespan, creating an opportunity to complete safety upgrades while renewing the roadway. Most members of council expressed support for the proposed designs, while also offering suggestions before the plans move forward.