Deadpool movie Georgia Viaduct closure gets first workday commuter test

This is the first regular work day that commuters leaving downtown Vancouver are being told to plan alternate routes, with the Georgia Viaduct closed for shooting of the movie Deadpool starring Vancouver-born actor Ryan Reynolds.

• Ryan Reynolds thanks commuters dealing with Georgia Viaduct closure

The Georgia Viaduct will be closed until 3 p.m. PT weekdays, with traffic restricted to one lane on a portion of the viaduct for the afternoon commute.

In two days of work, the film crew has staged a crash scene with a smoldering SUV.

Passers-by have glimpsed someone playing anti-hero Deadpool flip over the vehicle and point guns. That's Ryan Reynolds' character, but it wasn't clear whether he or a stunt double was in the red and black bodysuit.

The city of Vancouver is advising motorists to plan around the movie shoot, saying its spending millions of dollars in the city and employing 1,000 people.

"Leave some extra time, do a little bit of research to understand what the changes are," said director of transportation Jerry Dobrovolny.

"Exercise some patience and understand that it's an important piece of our local economy."

Reynolds, who grew up in the westside neighbourhood of Kitsilano, has thanked commuters for their patience with the project, and tweeted pictures with fans dressed as his Marvel Comic character.

Georgia Viaduct closure schedule

Closures are scheduled between  April 5 and 18 and incude:

• April 5: Georgia Viaduct closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT.
• April 6-16: Georgia Viaduct closed from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. After the road reopens at 3 p.m. there will remain a 100-metre section of the viaduct that will be limited to one lane.
• April 11: Georgia Viaduct closed from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• April 12, 17 and 18: the production has the option to use the viaduct on these days, for contingency purposes

During closure times, the city recommends that drivers select alternate routes leading eastbound out of downtown, such as the Cambie Bridge or Hastings Street.

More information can also be found on the city's website.