Construction of a second entrance to downtown Squamish could begin in 2029, with work on a new bridge across the Mamquam Blind Channel expected to continue through 2031, according to a District of Squamish Crown land application. The application is now open for comment.
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The proposed Pemberton-Laurelwood Bridge would connect Laurelwood Avenue with Pemberton Avenue near the existing Highway 99 and CN rail bridges. The District’s application says bridge construction is anticipated to take place over two fish windows: August 2029 to January 2030, and August 2030 to January 2031. The schedule depends on environmental approvals and other project requirements.
The bridge is intended to provide another route between Highway 99 and downtown, which currently relies on a single entrance. The District says the connection could help ease congestion at Cleveland Avenue and Highway 99, provide a vehicle route across the railway separated from rail traffic, and improve access for emergency services.
The application describes the project as being in its early stages. Detailed engineering and property acquisition are planned for 2026 and 2027. The District says it needs a private property at 1498 Pemberton Avenue for the bridge connection and must acquire it before construction begins.
The plans also call for archaeological, environmental and geotechnical investigations in 2027. The application says an archaeological assessment, including permitting and approvals involving Squamish Nation, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh, would take 12 to 18 months and must be completed before construction.
The proposed bridge is expected to have two lanes and a steel or concrete deck, with the final design and construction method still to be confirmed. Plans include a path and cycle lanes, according to the District’s application.
The District says the crossing could also support a truck route that bypasses downtown via Loggers Lane and Pemberton Avenue, and provide shorter trips for people travelling south. The application says a southbound trip could be reduced from 1.6 kilometres to one kilometre.
Squamish Nation provided a letter of support for the project in 2025, the application says. The District also said it planned to apply in September 2026 for up to $12.15 million from Transport Canada’s Trade Diversification Corridors Fund; the documents do not confirm whether funding has been awarded
