No. H 020/07
For release February 9, 2007
VANCOUVER - Canada's New Government and the Government of British Columbia
have agreed to cost-share the construction of a new seven-lane bridge across the
Pitt River. Federal Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific
Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, the Honourable David Emerson, and
B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, broke ground at the site today.
Canada's New Government is providing $90 million in funding for costs associated
with the construction of the bridge and a new grade-separated interchange at
Lougheed Highway and Mary Hill Bypass. The Province is providing $108 million.
"The ability to move goods quickly and efficiently through the Lower Mainland
and into the markets across Canada and the United States is very important to
importers and exporters," said Minister Emerson. "This new bridge is the first
of many Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor projects that will help our local
communities, as well as contribute to Canada's trade competitiveness."
"The economy of the Pacific is driving a global economic shift and we must
capitalize on our geographic advantage by building to seize the opportunities
emerging in Canada's Pacific Gateway," said Campbell. "This is the first
contract in our B.C. Gateway Program to improve infrastructure - help reduce
congestion and improve the movement of people and goods to boost our economy and
our quality of life."
"The Pitt River crossing connects key economic and transportation facilities
with Greater Vancouver," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, federal Minister
of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "This investment demonstrates the
commitment of Canada's New Government to reducing congestion and improving the
safety and efficiency of this important corridor."
The team of Peter Kiewit & Sons (PKS) won the competitive bidding process for
this project, meeting all of the required criteria set out in the request for
proposals at the lowest price. The PKS proposal includes an innovative and
cost-effective bridge concept offering significant benefits and advantages.
The seven-lane bridge will replace the two existing swing bridges that have seen
vehicle traffic numbers triple since 1985. The cable-stayed bridge design will
significantly reduce traffic congestion and delays as well as reducing
interference with marine traffic. With fewer piers in the river, this new bridge
will also reduce impacts to the environment and marine users. Work will begin
immediately and the project is expected to be complete by November 2009.
Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative is an integrated set of
investment and policy measures to strengthen Canada's competitive position in
international commerce. The Initiative delivers significant new public
investment - $591 million overall, including $321 million in immediate projects
for a variety of infrastructure, transportation technology and border security
projects.
The project is also part of the B.C. Gateway Program - the Ministry of
Transportation's plan to meet the needs of B.C.'s growing economy, increasing
Asia-Pacific trade, and a growing population.
Additional information about the B.C. Gateway Program can be found at
www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca.
For more information about Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor
Initiative, please visit www.tc.gc.ca.
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Contacts:
Jennifer Chiu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
International Trade and Minister
for the Pacific Gateway and the
Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, Ottawa
613-992-7332
Dale Steeves
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250-361-7783
Cathy Cossaboom
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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