The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) on BC Bid for the Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project.

The project is designed to improve traffic congestion for people living south of the Fraser and the efficiency of commercial vehicles heading to Deltaport. 

This follows the recent award of two contracts for work in the Deltaport Way area and along 27B Avenue to improve access to commercial business and development for the Tsawwassen First Nation.

These upgrades are part of the $245-million Highway 91/17 and Deltaport Way Upgrade Project, in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Tsawwassen First Nation. 

“I am pleased to see that upgrades are moving ahead for these key transportation routes that will not only improve safety and traffic flow in Tsawwassen and the surrounding area, but also help businesses move their goods and support economic prosperity for the region as a whole,” said Carla Qualtrough, member of Parliament for Delta, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Our government is proud to be working with Indigenous communities, like the Tsawwassen First Nation, to build a better relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.”

“This important set of upgrades will improve the highways south of the Alex Fraser Bridge by replacing signalized intersections with interchanges, allowing the free flow of traffic,” said Claire Trevena, B.C.'s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Our strong partnership with the Port of Vancouver, the Government of Canada and the Tsawwassen First Nation shows that by working together, we can all benefit by getting our goods to market sooner, growing our economy and making life better for all British Columbians.”

B.A. Blacktop Ltd. was awarded the contract for the Deltaport Way upgrades. This contract includes a merge lane that will improve access from 27B Avenue to Deltaport Way.

BD Hall Constructors Corp was awarded the contract for the 27B Avenue upgrades, which is being delivered in partnership with Tsawwassen First Nation, and includes roadway widening and upgrades to improve access to industrial lands from 27B Avenue between Deltaport Way and 41B Street.

“On behalf of the port authority, I’d like to recognize the Province, the federal government and Tsawwassen First Nation for their commitment to and support for these projects,” said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “These upgrades will improve transportation efficiencies for both the movement of goods and for those living in the community around Tsawwassen.”

“Improvements to local infrastructure, such as these, play an important role in supporting Tsawwassen First Nation’s vision and objectives for sustainable community and economic development. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to safety and ease of movement for commercial and industrial traffic and the general public alike,” said Chief Bryce Williams, Tsawwassen First Nation.

Safety benefits of the project include upgrades to improve local and commercial travel and reduced conflicts between commercial vehicles and other traffic.

The RFQ includes the design and construction of the following:

• Highway 91 at Nordel Interchange – direct ramps to and from Delta, improved acceleration and deceleration lanes and additional through-lanes for Nordel Way traffic crossing over Highway 91.
• Highway 91 Connector at Nordel Way intersection upgrades – a combination of direct access ramps and additional turning lanes to remove a signalized intersection and improve all movements, including improved access to and from the Nordel Way commercial vehicle inspection station and truck parking area.
• A new interchange at Highway 17 and Highway 91 Connector (Sunbury) and improvements to the River Road connection – removing the existing signalized intersection and eliminating the need for an at-grade rail crossing to access the highway.
• Intersection improvements at Highway 17 at 80th Street (Tilbury) – upgrading the right-turn connection from 80th Street.

Quick Facts:

• The project will create approximately 725 direct jobs during construction.
• Major works under the RFQ are anticipated to be awarded in spring/summer 2019, with total project completion scheduled for 2023.
• Construction on 27B Avenue and Deltaport Way is expected to get underway in a short time.

Learn More:

Highway 91/17 and Deltaport Way Upgrade Project: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/highway-91-17-deltaport