Today, the new 248th Street overpass over Highway 1 in Langley officially reopened to traffic. The new overpass replaces aging infrastructure and restores an important connection for Langley residents north of the highway.

The new 248th Street overpass is the final piece of the $24-million Highway 1 Eastbound Climbing Lane project. Construction of the new overpass required closure of 248th Street for about eight months. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure thanks local residents and farmers for their patience during construction. The project finished one month ahead of schedule.

The new eastbound climbing lane on Highway 1 through Langley opened in October 2013. This additional lane on Highway 1 has reduced congestion on the long hill between 232nd Street and 264th Street, and makes it easier and safer for vehicles to merge onto the highway eastbound at 232nd Street.

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

Quotes:

Minister of Natural Gas Development and MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove Rich Coleman -

"The new Highway 1 truck climbing lane and overpass at 248 Street is an important transportation improvement for our community and for the Lower Mainland. It will allow us to grow our local economy by enabling local business and farmers to get their goods and services to market more efficiently, and help to make Langley safer for motorists."

Minister of Environment and MLA for Langley Mary Polak -

"Local farmers and B.C. families will benefit from the new overpass because it will help move crops, such as blueberries, strawberries, sweet corn and green beans, from fields to tables quickly and efficiently."

Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese -

"The new 248th Street Overpass restores an important transportation corridor for our residents living on both sides of Highway 1. This is a well-used passage for local residents and with the addition of climbing lanes it will greatly improve traffic flow. The Township benefits immensely from this new construction to our local transportation infrastructure as part of the Province's larger upgrade to highway safety."

Learn More:

Learn more about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

Media Contact:

Robert Adam
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 413-7941