A new six-lane interchange with pedestrian/cyclist sidewalks on both sides has replaced the aging two-lane overpass on 16th Avenue across Highway 99.

The new interchange will accommodate growing cross-border travel, help reduce truck traffic from 32nd Avenue, and reduce traffic congestion at the King George Boulevard and 32nd Avenue interchanges.

This $24-million project is a partnership project between the B.C. government, City of Surrey and TransLink, and was carried out in two phases. Phase One work included the demolition of the underpass and construction of the new six-lane structure, the installation of a fish-passable concrete culvert under Highway 99 and 16th Avenue, and the widening of 16th Avenue to four lanes between Highway 99 and King George Boulevard.

The second phase included the construction of all four ramps, noise barrier, environmental enhancements and widening 16th Avenue east of Highway 99.

Pedestrians and cyclists immediately benefit from the new interchange, which has added two new signalized pedestrian/cycling crossings on 16th Avenue. The new interchange has 1.8-metre sidewalks on both sides that will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. The former overpass had one 1.5-metre sidewalk on the south side. Sidewalk crossings are protected by a three-metre-high safety fence.

The interchange lanes will be opened at scheduled intervals throughout the day to ensure proper traffic flow and safety.

Quotes:

Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Stephanie Cadieux, on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone -

“The South Surrey region is experiencing significant growth and that will continue over the next 30 years. This new six-lane interchange provides a safe road network that meets current and future traffic needs and will offer better connectivity to Highway 99 and across 16th Avenue.”

Surrey-Tynehead MLA Amrik Virk −

“This new six-lane interchange supports growing auto and truck cross-border travel demands and provides increased opportunities for South Surrey and White Rock businesses to capture economic benefits of northbound traffic from the U.S.”

Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts -

“This project is a result of exceptional teamwork between the Province, TransLink and the City of Surrey. The new six-lane interchange is a significant addition to the city’s transportation network, not only improving the traffic flow for commuters, but in easing the movement of goods along a major corridor and across Surrey’s border, which is the second-largest in Canada.”

TransLink board of directors, Barry Forbes -

“The Highway 99 and 16th Avenue Interchange project improves connectivity, while easing congestion and enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit users. It also helps to improve the major road network, which underpins the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the region.”

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 improves traffic flow and eases congestion, in addition to providing cyclists and pedestrians a safer way to cross.
• Improving road safety and access that will help grow the economy is an important part of the B.C. government’s commitment.
• British Columbia has an expansive highway system that connects families throughout every region of the province. Ensuring these highways are as safe as possible is essential.

Learn More:

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

Media Contacts:

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