Construction is about to begin on a $59-million Highway 1 project through Langley, which will create better traffic flow and increase capacity on a key stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Highway 1 will be widened from four lanes to six lanes between 202nd and 216th streets, by adding one additional general-purpose lane both eastbound and westbound. In addition, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramps will be extended to and from 202nd Street. Noise mitigation measures will be built on both sides of the highway and along the west side of 216th Street from the highway to 88th Avenue.

Once constructed, the new 216th Street interchange will have six lanes total, with four travel lanes and two left-turning lanes between the ramps. Access to Highway 1 at 216th Street will now be gained through two signalized intersections.

The project is designed to reduce congestion as well as increase capacity and safety on Highway 1 and improve connectivity between Langley communities north and south of the highway. These communities have grown significantly in recent years and the construction of a new interchange at 216th Street has been a Township of Langley priority for decades.

Jakes Construction Ltd. is the successful proponent and was awarded a $45.4-million contract to construct the project.

This project is expected to provide significant benefits to all motorists, including local drivers, commercial-truck traffic, and tourists, as well as providing benefits to cyclists and pedestrians. Crews will be working mainly outside of peak periods, and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff will be monitoring traffic 24/7 to ensure delays are kept minimal.

Quotes:

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities –

“Modern and efficient roadways are crucial to encouraging and supporting economic activity, facilitating trade, and creating good-paying, middle-class jobs. The governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing in well-planned infrastructure that will make it easier to move people and products across the country, while supporting sustained economic growth and productivity for years to come.”

Rich Coleman, Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA, on behalf of Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“This six-laning on Highway 1 and new diamond interchange is needed to accommodate the ever increasing traffic demands and regional growth in this area. Right now, the Trans Canada is clogged with heavy traffic, especially during the morning and afternoon commutes. We are happy to partner with the Government of Canada and the Township of Langley on this project which will significantly increase safety and efficiency for motorists along this route. The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure, through which a reliable and efficient transportation network is continually being improved.”

Mary Polak, Langley MLA –

“This is an important infrastructure investment which will deliver time savings benefits to all motorists – including local commuters who drive this route every day to work or school. More lanes are needed on this stretch of highway, to enable better traffic flow through Langley and the surrounding communities. This six-laning project on the Trans Canada, along with Phase 2 of the six-laning project announced earlier this week, will vastly improve this drive year-round for all motorists.”

Michael de Jong, Abbotsford West MLA –

“With this highway widening and interchange project, we are focused on building more capacity on this key stretch of the Trans Canada which sees thousands of vehicles daily and major gridlock at peak times of the day. We need to ensure our infrastructure is keeping pace with the growth underway in the Fraser Valley. With projects at various stages of construction in every corner of the province, we are Building a Strong B.C. – for today, and tomorrow.”

Jack Froese, Township of Langley Mayor –

“This long awaited project will provide access, ease congestion and offer better connectivity for our Walnut Grove and Willoughby communities. Investing and working with the governments of Canada and British Columbia secured bringing this project to Langley.”

Quick Facts:

• The project is scheduled to be complete by the winter of 2019. The project is expected to create approximately 180 jobs.
• This segment of Highway 1 currently has a daily traffic volume of more than 106,000 vehicles. About 15,000 vehicles on this stretch of highway are commercial trucks.
• The total estimated cost of the Highway 1 – 216th interchange project is $59-million, with the Government of Canada contributing up to $22.3 million under the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects. The Government of British Columbia is contributing $22.3 million as a part of B.C. on the Move, and the Township of Langley is funding $14.3 million.
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Budget 2017 proposed over $10 billion over 11 years in trade and transportation projects across Canada.

Learn More:

B.C. on the Move: www.gov.bc.ca/bconthemove

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online: http://www.tranbc.ca