Road closures for utility work set to begin in February for the Lower Mall Precinct

Posted on: January 6, 2026

The Lower Mall Precinct Student Housing Redevelopment – Phase 1 project will redevelop housing at St. John’s College (SJC) to increase on-campus student housing and create a vibrant student-focused precinct on the west side of campus. This project showcases UBC’s commitment to supporting the student housing need in the context of significant demand and the growing unaffordability of the region. Phase 1 will create multiple buildings with a net addition of 1,325 graduate student beds (approximately 1,500 new beds, including 175 replacement beds).

Utility work for the Lower Mall Precinct development is anticipated to begin in February 2026. Road closures along University Boulevard and Lower Mall will occur from February to July 2026.

Construction area and road closures

Utility work for the Lower Mall Precinct development will start in February 2026. Please see the details below for the different phases of construction and the detailed impacts.

Phase 1: Early February to Mid-March 2026

  • Lower Mall closed from the West Parkade entry to the south side of the pedestrian crossing in front of Marine Drive Residence
  • Sidewalks will remain open
  • Access to West Parkade from the north only, i.e. University Boulevard

Phase 2: Mid-March to Late April 2026

  • Lower Mall closed from the West Parkade entry to University Boulevard
  • Sidewalks will remain open
  • Access to West Parkade from the south only, i.e. Agronomy Road

Phase 3: May to Late July 2026

  • University Boulevard closed from Lower Mall to NW Marine Drive
  • Single lane closed on Lower Mall at University Boulevard
  • Sidewalks will remain open

After the utility work is complete, the building construction will start and will continue to September 2029. During this time, University Boulevard will remain fully closed and sidewalks around the construction site will be closed.