New traffic signals will go into operation this week on Nordel Way, as part of the first phase toward expanding capacity for people travelling across the Alex Fraser Bridge.

This work is part of the project that will create a seventh lane on the Alex Fraser, and add a new moveable barrier, to be used during rush hours to allow counter-flow traffic.

The new traffic signals at the Nordel Way interchange, and the extension of the two-lane northbound on-ramp, will make it easier for motorists to access the Alex Fraser Bridge, by alternating the merge between traffic entering from two directions.

The cast-in-place median barrier was also detached from the bridge deck and replaced with temporary barriers.

Later this summer, work will begin on the remaining activities that include:

• strengthening the bridge and resurfacing the bridge approaches;
• building sign and electrical infrastructure, to support counter-flow traffic;
• improving cycling connections and widening sections of the bridge sidewalks;
• widening the Cliveden interchange, to accommodate the new seven-lane configuration;
• adding a third southbound lane on Highway 91, between the Nordel interchange and the 72 Ave interchange;
• replacing one of the 32-year-old cables, so testing can be completed on the old cable to determine future rehabilitation and maintenance needs; and
• installing the new, moveable barrier system.        

Originally, the ministry planned to install the new, moveable barrier system later this fall, but the timeline has been revised with completion expected in summer 2019. More engineering work was required for both the cycling upgrades and the cable replacement process, which included consultation with the cycling community and bridge engineering specialists.

Drivers are reminded to expect delays, watch for traffic-control personnel and obey all posted construction, while crews continue to work on this project.

Quick Facts:

• 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.
• An animation of the new traffic pattern is available online under construction updates: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/alex-fraser-bridge