A four-lane highway, the South Fraser Perimeter Road, officially opened today.
It is B.C.’s newest highway and is designed to make travelling and commuting around Metro Vancouver quicker and easier.
“The completion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road is good news for the Metro Vancouver region,” says Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue. “It means a better road network and more capacity to transport goods to and from fast-growing markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This project demonstrates that when we work together with our partners through the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, we can develop projects that facilitate international trade and create jobs and economic growth in local communities across Canada.”
The South Fraser Perimeter Road connects to all five major Fraser River crossings, and is designed to save motorists time and provide some more travel options. For example, travel time between Highway 1 and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal is now less than 30 minutes, compared with travel times of double that using Highway 10.
“The SFPR is a key part of our commitment to expanding our markets and improving the safe and efficient movement of goods and people,” says B.C.’s Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “This new route is a game-changer for industry, commuters and tourists – it will cut commute times for families and make B.C. more competitive by connecting key port and rail facilities with access to borders, the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and the B.C. Interior.”
Completing this project was part of the province’s Pacific Gateway Transportation Strategy. It is estimated it will generate economic and business opportunities and lead to 7,000 long-term jobs in Delta and Surrey through industrial development opportunities along the corridor.
“Our community will benefit hugely from the opening of the South Fraser Perimeter Road,” says Delta Mayor Lois E. Jackson. “The new route provides greater access to the Tilbury industrial area, taking commercial trucks off Highway 99 and River Road. This will make for safer, smoother travel for our residents throughout the community.”
The Government of Canada, through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, provided $365 million toward the corridor. The Government of B.C. contributed the remainder.
Comments