Photo: Contributed - City of Vancouver

Artist's rendering of Burrard Bridge changes

Proposed changes to the Burrard Street Bridge would eliminate even more vehicle traffic in favour of bicycles and pedestrians.

The City of Vancouver wants to install a sidewalk on the bridge's east side by removing a northbound traffic lane.

The project also aims to improve safety at the Burrard and Pacific intersection, which the city says has the second-worst accident rate in Vancouver.

The estimated cost of the project is $30 million –  $20 million to repair the bridge's railings and sidewalks, and $10 million to upgrade the intersection. Construction is expected to start in 2016 and last 18 months.

The bridge lost one lane of traffic in 2009, when a second bike lane was added. The first was created by replacing the sidewalk that will now go back in.

"It's a big project, it's an expensive project, but we want to get it right," Lon LaClaire, the city's transportation director, told CTV.

LaClaire said even though there will be one fewer lane available to cars, traffic flow won't be affected because the addition of a second right-turn lane at Burrard and Pacific will alleviate congestion.

The project would also require the demolition of a homeless shelter.

“I’m going to be interested to see the final report, but at this point it seems hard to believe there won’t be congestion in the middle of the bridge,” said Coun. George Affleck.

Open houses will be held June 6 and 16 for the public to give feedback. City council is expected to vote on the project next month.

– with files from CTV Vancouver