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Everyone associates TransLink with Metro Vancouver’s bus, train and SeaBus network. But the transportation agency is also responsible for hundreds of municipal infrastructure projects.

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In 2023, 20 communities in the region will get 106 upgrades from a municipal infrastructure fund totalling $128 million. That money is spent on greenways, bike paths, sidewalks and multi-use paths, bridges and roads, along with maintaining the major road network.

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TransLink is responsible for 75 per cent of the funding for those upgrades in partnership with local governments and the province. If the project is aimed at making bus operations more efficient or if it’s a major cycling upgrade, TransLink foots the entire bill.

Some of the examples being done this year are:

• Cycling and walking upgrades for 8.5 kilometres along the Arbutus greenway in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, at a cost of $1.75 million.

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• Extension of a multi-use path along the Guildford greenway from Port Moody to Pinetree Way in Coquitlam ($1.16 million).

• Replacement of the existing Bailey bridge with an improved Nicomekl Bridge ($2 million).

Of the 106 projects, 62 are walking, biking and multi-use paths, 31 are upgrades to roads, structures and bus operations, plus maintenance and rehabilitation of major roads.

“Cycling paths, walkways and bus speed upgrades are all critical components to combat climate change,” said Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West, who chairs the mayors’ council that oversees TransLink. “We are grateful for TransLink and the provincial government, who are strategic partners in making our communities vibrant and family-oriented.”

Here is a complete list of the projects in 2023 (PDF).

jruttle@postmedia.com