The Cambie Street Bridge will be closed to vehicles for the opening and closing Olympic ceremonies, VANOC said yesterday as the organization unveiled the final piece of its transportation plan.
More than 100,000 people, including spectators, athletes, performers and media, are expected to flood the city’s downtown core for the ceremonies.
Terry Wright, VANOC’s executive vice-president, said the closures will allow 500 motor coaches to be brought into the venue and unloaded safely.
“After looking at it in detail along with the city and the security group, we decided we needed that space … in order to look after our guests properly,” said Wright.
The bridge will also be closed on Feb. 10 for the opening ceremony rehearsal and March 12 for the Paralympic opening ceremony.
The transportation plan, which was released in three phases, calls for a 30 per cent reduction in vehicle traffic by the start of the Games.
It features numerous street closures in the coming weeks, including Expo and Pacific boulevards and the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts.
