The Harris Road/Lougheed Highway (Highway 7) intersection in Pitt Meadows will be made safer, with a longer right turn lane for eastbound motorists.

This will also make it easier for commercial vehicles to get up to highway speeds, and safely merge onto the highway.

“I am very proud to be part of a government that responds to community needs, and is making investments to improve transportation safety and efficiency for commuters,” said Dan Ruimy, federal Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows–Maple Ridge, on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Pitt Meadows’ Highway 7 Corridor and Harris Road intersection has been a long-standing local concern, but thanks to this federal funding, we can look forward to smoother commutes that ensure our community remains safe and accessible as it continues to grow.”

The eastbound right turn lane will be extended by 300 metres to Allen Way, eliminating the current hazard that occurs when the queue of turning vehicles blocks the through-lanes. The extended lane will also make it safer and easier for industrial vehicles coming from the CP Rail intermodal yard to accelerate and merge with traffic over a longer distance on the Lougheed Highway.

“This is a much-needed improvement to this busy intersection, which gets backed up in peak periods, and also has a lot of industrial vehicles coming from the nearby intermodal yard,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The longer right turn lane will solve this issue by keeping people moving, and giving commercial drivers the proper distance they need to speed up and safely get onto the highway.”

Construction is beginning this week, and is expected to finish in fall 2018. The ministry is committed to ensuring traffic delays related to construction are kept minimal, so much of the construction will take place at night.

Lane closures will be restricted to 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. in the eastbound direction, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for westbound traffic. This will keep people and goods moving on this high-volume corridor.  

Motorists are asked to obey the posted speed limit and watch for workers and traffic control personnel. Travel advisories will be provided on roadside changeable message signs and at: www.drivebc.ca

Eurovia British Columbia Inc. of Surrey was awarded the $1.7-million contract for the construction. The cost of the project is $6.2 million, and is part of the Highway 7 safety and capacity enhancements through Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission. The total funding of $70 million is cost-shared, with the Government of Canada contributing up to $22.45 million, and the Province supplying the remaining $47.55 million.