South Fraser Perimeter Road completed, officially opens today

The Government of Canada and Province of B.C. celebrate this milestone event

DELTA, BC, Dec. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The $1.26 billion South Fraser Perimeter Road was opened today in Delta, British Columbia.

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, along with B.C.'s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Todd Stone, marked the completion of the 40-kilometre, four-lane road, which will improve safety for drivers, while enhancing the efficient movement of goods to export destinations in the Asia-Pacific.

The road extends from the existing Highway 17/Deltaport Way interchange, through the municipalities of Delta and Surrey, along the south bank of the Fraser River, and connects to all five major Fraser River crossings, saving motorists time and offering more travel options.

The eastern section of the South Fraser Perimeter Road, from Highway 1 at 176th St. to 136th St. in Surrey, opened in November 2012. The remainder of the South Fraser Perimeter Road, from 136th St. in Surrey to Deltaport Way in Delta, opens today.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada's contribution of up to $365 million for this project comes from the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund, a program designed to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency and capacity of Canada's transportation network to facilitate international trade with the Asia-Pacific region.
• This road will play an essential role in increasing Canada's capacity to support Asia-Pacific trade by providing a continuous connection to port facilities, rail yards and industrial areas in Metro Vancouver.
• It will contribute to local road safety by reducing the number of points where road and railway tracks intersect.
• It will relieve traffic congestion between the Port Mann, Pattullo and Alex Fraser bridges, and the George Massey Tunnel, providing route options for motorists travelling between Langley, Surrey, Delta and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
• It will also help to reduce truck traffic on residential streets by connecting several transportation facilities, such as the Deltaport Container Terminal, Seaspan International Inc., the CN intermodal yard, the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and numerous industrial areas.
• It will generate economic and business opportunities and lead to 7,000 long-term jobs in Delta and Surrey through improved industrial development opportunities along the corridor. More than 4,000 jobs were created during construction.
  
  
  

Quotes

"The completion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road is good news for the Metro Vancouver region; 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 Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay
Minister of National Revenue, Government of Canada

"The South Fraser Perimeter Road is a key part of our commitment to expanding our markets and improving the safe and efficient movement of goods and people. 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."
Todd Stone
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Province of B.C.

Associated Links

• For a detailed SFPR map, visit: maps.sfprconstruction.ca
• For information about SFPR construction updates, visit: sfprconstruction.ca
• For more information on the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, visit: asiapacificgateway.gc.ca
  
  

SOURCE: Transport Canada

Ashley Kelahear
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613 993-0055

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.