Tens of thousands of commuters will soon have some relief from congestion and will spend less time in traffic, thanks to a new moveable barrier system that will be installed on the Alex Fraser Bridge in fall 2018.

“Our government is committed to finding solutions that will reduce gridlock, so people can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with their families,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. “Installing a moveable barrier system on the Alex Fraser Bridge will bring congestion relief for commuters who frequently use this crossing.”

Moveable barrier technology is an innovative way to improve the efficiency and functionality of the existing highway system. The ministry will be replacing the existing concrete barrier on the bridge with a moveable barrier, which can then be moved to accommodate peak traffic periods with the help of a machine known as a “road zipper”.

Crews will be working to modify the existing six lanes on the Alex Fraser Bridge to bring the total number of travel lanes to seven. This barrier system will be installed once the additional lane is added.

“Moveable barrier systems ease congestion and create additional capacity during rush hour, when it is most needed,” said Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon. “It is one of the many tools we will be using to make commuters’ lives a little bit easier.”

As part of this Phase 1 capacity-improvement work, the ministry will also be installing a traffic signal and lighting at the existing northbound Nordel on-ramp intersection, and will rebuild a portion of Highway 91 southbound to the Nordel westbound off-ramp.

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $33,965,000, through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund, toward the $70-million capacity-improvement project. The B.C. government is funding $36,125,000 toward the project.

Lindsay Transportation Solutions, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Lindsay Corporation, is the successful bidder on the contract, and will manufacture components in California and Nebraska. The contract is valued at approximately $20 million.