No. P009/06
For release - September 12, 2006
SURREY, B.C. — The next phase of the Border Infrastructure Program will provide a continuous four-lane route from the Trans-Canada Highway in Surrey to the Canada-U.S. border, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and British Columbia Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.
"With over 1.3 million trucks transporting more than $24 billion in goods across the B.C./U.S. border each year, we need to upgrade our transportation corridors" said Minister Cannon. "This is a significant project that demonstrates our commitment to getting things done for British Columbia."
The $36 million contract has been awarded by the Government of British Columbia to Surrey-based B&B Contracting Ltd. The widening, intersection improvements and bridge construction will take place along Highway 10 between 122 and 176A Streets. The project will be completed in Fall 2008.
"Expanding to four lanes through Surrey will improve safety for motorists, enhance freight transportation and make British Columbia a more competitive freight destination," said Minister Falcon. "These improvements have benefits for the economy in the local region and throughout B.C."
Due to the construction staging of the project, minimal traffic delays are anticipated. This project was subject to an extensive consultation that included meetings with community organizations, public open houses and discussions with the City of Surrey.
The $36 million contract awarded by the Province of British Columbia and funded from the Border Infrastructure Fund is comprised of: $20.5 million from the Province of British Columbia; $13.5 million from the Government of Canada; and $2 million from the City of Surrey. The Border Infrastructure Program is a $210 million, federal-provincial program that is improving the movement of goods and people to and from the Lower Mainland's border crossings through an integrated network of road upgrades. The Government of Canada contribution to the total fund is $88 million.
See attached backgrounder for a listing and status of current projects.
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Contacts:
Natalie SarafianPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and CommunitiesOttawa, Ontario613-991-0700
Mike LongDirector of CommunicationsBC Ministry of TransportationVictoria, British Columbia250-387-7787
For further information on the Border Infrastructure Fund (BIF), visit the BIF website: http://www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/tbwg/311.htm.
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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BACKGROUNDERBORDER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM UPDATE
The Border Infrastructure Program is a five-year, $210-million joint Federal/Provincial improvement program which was announced in March 2003. This program is aimed at upgrading the Highway 10, 11, 15 and 91/91A corridors. The federal government is contributing $88 million towards this initiative.
Highway 10
Grading and paving to widen Highway 10 to four lanes through Surrey begins this fall.
Improvement of the King George/Highway 10 intersection has started and will finish in late 2007.
Related work includes various access changes, new bridges to provide four lanes over the Serpentine River and relocation of the Southern Railway of British Columbia.
All Highway 10 construction is to be completed by fall 2008.
Highway 11
Reconfiguration of the interchange at Highway 11 and the Trans-Canada Highway has been completed.
Highway 15
Construction on Highway 15 through urban Cloverdale from 59A Avenue to 68A Avenue now completed.
New two-lane Roger Pierlet Bridge structure for southbound traffic complete fall 2006; to be followed by repairs to original structure which will carry northbound traffic.
All Highway 15 construction, including rural sections, to be completed by fall 2008.
Highway 91/91A
Upgrades to Queensborough Bridge and north approach in New Westminster.
Safety upgrades to Queensborough Bridge in the form of improved Sidewalk/Cyclepath and addition of a concrete center median.
Construction of a new overpass completed for the new interchange at Highway 91A at Howes Street in New Westminster.
Remaining construction of interchange at Highway 91A at Howes Street in New Westminster to be completed by fall 2007.
September 2006
