The government of British Columbia is investing $60.5 million over the next three years in provincial highway improvements to reduce congestion, increase safety and support public transit for families, commuters and commercial drivers in Surrey, Langley and Delta.

This investment, which supports four projects, was announced today by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak and is part of the $207 million in new capital investment announced by Premier Christy Clark at the recent Union of BC Municipalities Convention. This investment is supported by money the government saved from its capital plan, through a strong commitment to fiscal prudence.

In Surrey, the existing 16th Avenue overpass over Highway 99 will be replaced with a new interchange to reduce congestion and improve safety. This new interchange will provide better access for residents of South Surrey and Langley to Highway 99 and across 16th Avenue. It will also accommodate growing cross-border travel and help remove trucks from 32nd Avenue. The City of Surrey is providing funding for project design and engineering work, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2013. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2013 and is expected to finish in fall 2014. The total estimated value of the project is $24 million.

Also in Surrey, the government of B.C. is expanding the Park and Ride facility on Highway 99 at King George Highway to improve access to public transit. The new lot will be located inside the existing interchange loop and will add over 300 spaces to the facility. Design work is underway with construction expected to finish in fall 2013. The total estimated value of the project is $4.5 million.

In Delta, improvements to the Highway 99/South Fraser Perimeter Road interchange will support public transit and reduce congestion by widening Highway 99 to include a new dedicated lane for public transit vehicles travelling through the interchange when this portion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road opens next year. The total estimated value of this project is $8 million.

In Langley, a new truck climbing lane will be added to Highway 1 between 232nd and 264th Streets to reduce congestion and increase safety. This third eastbound lane will provide additional room for transport trucks to merge and travel safely along this stretch of highway. In addition, as part of this project, the 248th Street overpass will be replaced with a new structure. Work is expected to begin in early 2013 and finish in the spring of 2014. This project was announced locally on Sept. 28th. The total estimated value of the project is $24 million.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"These projects will reduce congestion, increase safety and support public transit for families and motorists in Surrey, Langley and Delta."

"This new interchange at 16th Avenue will improve access to Highway 99, public transit and the border for residents of South Surrey and Langley."

"This investment will advance some important highway improvement work in the region. Many of these projects are ready to go, and in some cases, work is underway. These projects will create good-paying jobs for B.C. workers, grow our economy and improve transportation infrastructure for families."

Mayor of Surrey Dianne Watts -

"The construction of an interchange at 16th Avenue will significantly improve the flow of goods and people through this important transportation corridor, which connects all three of the region's border crossings and provides a direct link to the Abbotsford International Airport. We're also very pleased the South Surrey Park and Ride will be expanded to better serve the growing demand for transit services in the area."

Mayor of Delta Lois E. Jackson -

"The addition of an HOV/Rapid Bus lane southbound on Highway 99 will improve traffic flows for Delta residents and commuters travelling along this key transportation corridor. I am pleased to see the Province investing in sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation improvements and look forward to further enhancements to ease traffic congestion in this area."

Learn More:

Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca

A high-resolution graphic of the improvements is available to download at: http://bit.ly/SU7qO3

Contact:

Jeff Knight
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-7707