On Drake Street in Downtown Vancouver. Autumn of 2018.

Drake Street is a major east-west street in downtown Vancouver, running from Burrard Street in the west to Pacific Boulevard in the east. It’s part of the city’s urban core, near key areas like Yaletown, the False Creek waterfront, and the Granville Street Bridge.

The City of Vancouver is undertaking phased upgrades to Drake Street, particularly between Burrard Street and Pacific Boulevard. These improvements are part of a broader infrastructure project coordinated with the Granville Connector, a significant transportation initiative in the area.

As of the web results, Drake Street is being transformed into a one-way street for eastbound traffic only from Burrard Street to Hamilton Street. This change is part of the ongoing construction, expected to be completed by 2024.

Between Hornby Street and Howe Street, Drake Street is temporarily designated as one-way eastbound for motor vehicles during the construction period to manage traffic flow and reduce disruption.

The upgrades aim to enhance traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and connectivity, particularly in coordination with the Granville Street Bridge construction at its north end.

Drake Street is also noted for its "protected views" and "public views," as referenced in the City of Vancouver’s planning documents. For example, there’s a specific "Drake Street (K) public view reference photo" from 2024, indicating the city’s efforts to preserve scenic vistas, such as those from the Seawall near Drake Street, as part of its urban design strategy.

These efforts reflect Vancouver’s commitment to balancing urban development with maintaining aesthetic and recreational value, particularly along the waterfront and in densely populated downtown areas.

Drake Street serves as an important arterial route, connecting key parts of downtown Vancouver, including residential, commercial, and recreational areas. Its proximity to the Seawall, Yaletown, and False Creek makes it a vital link for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The coordination with the Granville Connector suggests that Drake Street’s upgrades are part of a larger plan to improve transportation infrastructure, potentially including bike lanes, public transit access, and pedestrian pathways.

While the web results focus on current infrastructure projects, Drake Street’s location in downtown Vancouver places it in a historically significant and rapidly evolving part of the city. Yaletown, for instance, was once an industrial area (home to rail yards) that has transformed into a trendy, mixed-use neighborhood, and Drake Street plays a role in this urban renewal.