Another early construction project for the Evergreen Line rapid transit project is underway to lay the groundwork for major construction and keep construction on schedule.

The Province has awarded a $4.1-million contract for Tybo Contracting of Surrey to widen North Road in Burnaby between Lougheed Highway and Cottonwood Avenue.

North Road will be widened on the west side to prepare for construction of the Evergreen Line guideway up the centre of the road. Construction is scheduled to start in early this month, and be completed in late 2012.

The new permanent lane on the west side will help minimize traffic disruption during guideway construction. After construction is complete, the new lane will replace the lane taken up by the guideway.

Every effort will be made to minimize disruption and maintain access for both businesses and residents. Residents, businesses and local government have been informed of the widening. Information about widening is also available on the Evergreen Line website: www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca/construction_bulletins.htm

For the most-up-to-date information related to Evergreen Line construction in Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Port Moody, the public is encouraged to call the free traffic information line at 604 927-2080 or request to be added to the email subscription list by emailing info@evergreenline.gov.bc.ca to receive Traffic Alerts, Construction Bulletins and Community Updates.

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

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.

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

Quote:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom -

"Widening North Road is an important part of the Evergreen Line project because it will help keep traffic moving during major construction. Residents and businesses can call our traffic information line and view traffic information on the Evergreen Line website for updates. One of our key goals is to provide information to the public while construction is underway."

Learn More:

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

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

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

Evergreen Line on Twitter: @TranBC

A backgrounder follows.

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

BACKGROUNDER

May 3, 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

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