The first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years reached a new milestone with the release of the business case and formal approval of provincial funding for the project.

Ground was officially broken Thursday, July 7, 2022, on the new five-lane Steveston interchange in Richmond as part of the project that will see the George Massey Tunnel replaced with a new toll-free crossing.

Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, is representing British Columbia at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC) between July 6 and 8 in St. John’s, Nfld., and has released the following statement to advance B.C.’s priorities:

The Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project is nearing a milestone with two new interchanges opening this summer.

A new agreement signed between the Province of B.C. and the group Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) will help deliver innovative and clean solutions for future transportation projects and priorities.

Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway, protecting the safe movement of people and goods in British Columbia.

The early engagement phase of the environmental assessment process is underway for the proposed toll-free eight-lane tunnel to replace the aging George Massey Tunnel.

Improved transit reliability, travel-time savings for drivers and more effective active transportation connections are on the way in Richmond.