Whereas the Province of BC has identified the Fraser Valley as a growth and innovation corridor as part of a framework for improving British Columbians standard of living to restore the British Columbia Dream; And whereas the critical congestion and safety challenges along the Trans-Canada Highway through the Fraser Valley and toward Hope continue to impact the provincial movement of goods and services and access to the AsiaPacific gateway, undercut the economic viability of a region with the provinces highest population growth, undermine public safety and quality of life for residents and travelers, and create significant environmental and greenhouse gas emission impacts for BC: Therefore be it resolved that the Province prioritize funding toward the continued expansion of the Trans-Canada Highway through the Fraser Valley and toward Hope in order to support HOV, Electric Vehicles, Autonomous Vehicles, Rapid Transit and Truck transportation HEARTT; And be it further resolved that this funding be made a high priority of the government of British Columbia.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The Minister of State for Infrastructure mandate letter includes a commitment to widen Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley to ease congestion, with a goal of completing the widening of the highway as far as Whatcom Road by 2026. The ministry recognizes the importance of Highway 1 as a fundamental corridor for the movement of goods, services and people and acknowledges issues around safety and congestion affecting its users. Over the past decade, the ministry has consistently invested in the future performance and safety of Highway 1 starting with significant investment between the Cassiar Tunnel and 216th St., in six-laning Highway 1 and replacing the Port Mann Bridge. More recently, the ministry contributed 27.3M in partnership with the Federal Government and the Township of Langley to widen the highway from 202nd St. to 216th St., including construction of a new interchange at 216th St.; that project was completed in 2020. Another 82.3M is secured in partnership with federal and municipal stakeholders to expand the HOVEV lanes in both directions between 216th St. and 264th St., as well as reconfiguration of the 232nd St. interchange and replacement of the CP Rail overhead and Glover Underpass; design and engineering are currently underway. These upgrades will improve traffic flow and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging people to carpool or take transit for a faster, greener commute. The ministrys continued dedication to improving Highway 1 further east is also exemplified by committing 200,000 for a planning exercise from 264th St. interchange to Mt. Lehman Road. The scope of work assesses the feasibility of extending the HOVEV lanes further east in both directions, extending the truck climbing lane in the eastbound direction, and improvements to the 264th St. interchange. The ministry remains committed to delivering a safe and reliable road network and working with community partners to achieve these goals