A $7.9-million contract has been awarded to Tybo Contracting Ltd. of Langley for the first phase of work, which includes the demolition of the existing underpass and construction of a new six-lane structure along with the widening of 16th Avenue to four lanes between Highway 99 and King George Boulevard. The second phase of work will be awarded in April and will include the construction of all four ramps. Work is now underway with completion expected in October 2014.

(flickr.com)

This project is part of the $207 million in new capital investment announced by Premier Christy Clark at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention in September.

The project also will accommodate growing cross-border travel, help remove trucks from 32nd Avenue, and reduce traffic congestion at the King George Boulevard and 32nd Avenue interchanges.

The South Surrey region will experience significant growth and development in the next 30 years. Highway 99, a key commuter and trucking route to the Canada/U.S. border, is already strained to handle the current volume of traffic. Construction of the Highway 99/16th Avenue interchange supports economic development by significantly improving traffic movement in the area.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"This project will dramatically reduce congestion, improve air quality and increase safety for families and motorists. Trucks carrying B.C. products to the U.S. will no longer face long delays resulting in lower pollution levels. People walking or cycling along 16th Avenue will be able to do so safely, encouraging a shift to more active, healthier lifestyles."

Mayor of Surrey Dianne Watts -

"Over 700,000 trucks move through this important transportation corridor every year. The City of Surrey and TransLink are contributing $7.2 million to the overall project, which will alleviate congestion on 32nd Avenue, connect all three border crossings, and improve access to Campbell Heights, one of the region's largest developing industrial areas, as well as provide a
direct link to the Abbotsford International Airport."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government and its partners have invested $11 billion to improve safety, efficiency and reliability of provincial highways throughout the Province.

• This project is part of the $60.5-million investment announced by the B.C. government last fall for transportation improvements in Surrey, Langley and Delta.

• The new interchange will be a tight diamond design consisting of:

• On/off ramps in all four quadrants;

• Replacement of the existing two-lane 16th Avenue underpass with a new six-lane structure (four lanes through and two left-turn lanes);

• Two new signals at either end of the structure.

• Widening of 16th Avenue to four lanes in each direction but tapering back to two lanes east of the structure.

• Expanded pedestrian and cyclist facilities to improve safety for all users.

Learn More:

• Learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C. at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

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

• A high-resolution graphic of the Accelerated Capital Projects in Surrey, Langley and Delta is available to download at: http://bit.ly/SU7qO3

Contact:

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