Steel Structures Education Foundation

Home > Resources > Case Studies > Skytrain Commercial Station

Skytrain: Commercial Station

Vancouver
British Columbia

A view into the steel tree structure that supports the lower roof.

A view into the steel tree structure that supports the lower roof. The large trusses that formed the pedestrian bridge over the "cut", connecting the two portions of the station, were erected at night. A view across the partially completed pedestrian bridge. The steel trees are partially complete on the lower platform. A view to the lower platform with most of the steel trees in place, prior to roofing. The lower station partially complete. The lower station with roof installation in progress. Standing on the completed platform of the lower station. A view across the pedestrian bridge of the completed station. A view from the bridge to the completed lower station A view to the large steel trees that support the roof of the main station that includes shops and services. Detailed view of the top of the steel tree like support in the main portion of the station.

Project Description Project Team

Project Description

The Commercial Station forms a transfer point between the Expo and Millennium Lines. Its situation in the Grandview Cut presented large site issues during the construction phases. The existing Expo Line had to be kept running throughout the construction. There were access issues constructing in the bottom of the "cut" - which also required much site work to shore up the sides of the natural formation in order to protect the line from the potential effects of erosion.

A large steel truss bridge was erected to connect the upper Expo Line to the lower Millennium Line. This created a multi level station and much opportunity for overview of the structure and form of the finished station.

As with many of the stations, the structure uses a combination of Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel and glue laminated beams. The steel (and concrete) used for the columns presents a durable structure that is more resistant to traffic.

photos: George Third & Son, Terri Meyer Boake

Commercial Station

Commercial Station creates the main connection between the Expo and new Millennium Lines.