Preparations for early construction of the Evergreen Line rapid transit project are moving forward with the posting today of the tender for the North Road widening.

The tender closes on April 5, 2012, and the contract will be awarded shortly after that.

It is anticipated that widening will occur between April and November of this year. The widening will help keep traffic moving during major construction of the Evergreen Line. Every effort will be made to minimize disruption and maintain access for both businesses and residents.

In addition to road widening, construction is underway to install underground power lines in Port Moody and Coquitlam. The power supply will be required to operate the Evergreen Line when it opens in the summer of 2016.

Early construction work lays the groundwork for major construction and will help accelerate the project schedule.

In November 2011, the Province issued the Request for Proposals to design and build the Evergreen Line and will select a primary contractor this summer.

The public is encouraged to call the free traffic information line at 604 927-2080 to receive the most up-to-date information related to Evergreen Line construction in Coquitlam, Port Moody and Burnaby.

Evergreen Line construction will create 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Quote:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom -

"We are making progress with the Evergreen Line and the widening of North Road will keep us on schedule. We are working to minimize the impact of construction on local residents and businesses by keeping them well informed of any potential disruptions ahead of time."

Learn More:

BC Bid: www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca

Evergreen Line: www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca

Evergreen Line on Facebook: www.facebook.com/evergreenline

On Twitter: @TranBC

Hear Lekstrom speak about the Evergreen Line at:

http://soundcloud.com/bcgov/minister-blair-lekstrom-2

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

BACKGROUNDER

March 9, 2012 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Facts about the Evergreen Line

The Evergreen Line will be an 11-kilometre rapid transit line that will connect Coquitlam to Vancouver via Port Moody and Burnaby.

Why the Evergreen Line matters:

• More transit options with faster, more frequent and more efficient service, especially for commuters in the northeast sector.
• More economic opportunities for businesses near the Evergreen Line route and stations.
• 8,000 direct and indirect jobs from construction.
• Frequent service - every three minutes during peak periods and service almost 20 hours a day.
• Faster travel time - 15 minutes from Coquitlam City Centre to Lougheed Town Centre.
• From Coquitlam City Centre to Vancouver in 40 minutes, saving almost 45 minutes per day compared to driving.
• Direct connection without transfer to the Millennium Line.
• Projected ridership of 70,000 per day by 2021.

Funding for the Evergreen Line:

• The total project cost for the Evergreen Line is estimated to be $1.4 billion.
• Funding is being provided by the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada and TransLink.
• The Province is contributing $583 million and will also oversee construction of the project.
• The Government of Canada is contributing up to $417 million.
• TransLink is contributing $400 million and will operate the Evergreen Line when it is complete.

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241