Updated for clarification Dec. 15, 2011

The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) has approved the new design concept for the Mufford/64th Ave. at Highway 10 rail overpass.

Drivers have faced delays crossing rail lines near the Township of Langley because of long trains carrying B.C. exports to Roberts Bank for Asia and the world. The new overpass will provide them with an alternate route over the tracks that will reduce delays, improve road safety and provide better response times for emergency vehicles.

Residents asked for a crossing over the rail corridor that had the least effect on agricultural land. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure worked with project partners in developing a new design concept that was presented to the public at open houses this fall and which is now approved by the ALC.

Quotes:

Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway -

"The Mufford Rail Overpass is not only an important step toward completing improvements to the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor, but also a step forward in further strengthening Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway which is positioning our west coast as the corridor of choice between Canada and the high-growth Asia-Pacific markets."

"These strategic investments and partnerships are furthering Canada's competitive advantages, improving infrastructure in local communities and creating jobs and prosperity for workers, businesses and families."

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom -

"The Agricultural Land Commission's decision and endorsement from the mayor and council of Langley Township means we can go ahead with this needed overpass that will reduce traffic congestion while respecting Langley community lifestyles. The Mufford overpass will give Langley residents improved access, while protecting farmland."

Langley MLA Mary Polak -

"The Asia-Pacific is one of our most important trade partners. This overpass will allow us to continue to develop that trade relationship without putting a traffic burden on our residents."

Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman -

"I'm pleased to see this important project move forward. It will help people get home quickly and safely, without sacrificing our ability to move goods or protect the Agricultural Land Reserve."

Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese -

"The Agricultural Land Commission's decision is great news for our community. Each year, trains get longer and more frequent, amplifying a safety issue that will not go away unless positive action is taken. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has examined the agricultural land issues and addressed them to the satisfaction of the commission."

"We are now one step closer to alleviating the congestion caused by trains interfering with traffic on our roads and look forward to working with the ministry to make this proposed solution a reality in the near future."

Quick Facts:

* Total project cost is estimated at approximately $51 million, to be cost-shared among the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor Program partners: the Township of Langley, Port Metro Vancouver, TransLink, Transport Canada and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

* The project is expected to generate more than 250 jobs over three years.

Learn More:

www.robertsbankrailcorridor.ca/proposed-projects/64th-avenue-at-hwy-10/_rbrc_project

Contact:

Kate Trotter

Government Communications and Public Engagement

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

250 356-8241

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect