Low Level Road Project Approved for Construction

VANCOUVER, June 19, 2012 /CNW/ - North Shore travellers can look forward to $100 million in transportation improvements to the Low Level Road by spring 2014, as Port Metro Vancouver confirmed today that the Project will proceed to construction, following approval from City of North Vancouver Council last night.

"The Low Level Road Project is designed to meet growing domestic and international trade demands and address long-standing community concerns related to traffic congestion, safety, slope stability and train-related noise," said Robin Silvester, President and CEO, Port Metro Vancouver. "Our research and consultation show that there is significant support at the local level for this project, and we are pleased to be moving ahead with these important transportation improvements."

Port Metro Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver have consulted extensively with stakeholders and the community to develop the Preferred Design through a series of open houses and workshops, and a comprehensive online web forum. Hundreds of people participated at the events and more than 1,300 people visited the online web forum.

"I would like to thank everyone who participated in consultations for this project for their time and thoughtful input, which I believe has helped create the best possible design," said Mr. Silvester. "Together with the City of North Vancouver, we look forward to continuing to work with residents and businesses to ensure that the project is constructed in consideration of local interests."

As a primary, continuous east-west route for the North Shore, the importance of the Low Level Road has long been reflected in community and transportation plans.  The Low Level Road Project is designed to address long-standing community and safety and traffic challenges, while also enhancing rail and port operations.

The project also completes 1.6 kilometres of new Spirit Trail, including an overpass across East 3^rd Street, connecting the Queensbury area to Lonsdale Quay. Port Metro Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver will undertake additional consultation on the Spirit Trail, as well as traffic management, landscaping and noise mitigation designs.

The Low Level Road Project was identified as part of a broader investment in the North Shore Trade Area on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, Port Metro Vancouver, TransLink, the City and District of North Vancouver and the private sector. The North Shore Trade Area, covering seven deep-sea marine cargo terminals and industrial activities along the north shore of Burrard Inlet, is a critical export gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. This Trade Area supports 5,000 North Shore jobs, and contributes more than $10 million in municipal taxes each year and $7.9 billion annually to BC's gross domestic product.

For more information about Port Metro Vancouver and the Low Level Road Project, visit the Port's website at www.portmetrovancouver.com or www.porttalk.ca.

Marko Dekovic
Communications and Government Affairs, Port Metro Vancouver
604-354-0945