B.C.’S GATEWAY PROGRAM

On Jan. 31, 2006, Premier Gordon Campbell unveiled B.C.’s $3-billion Gateway Program to open up the province’s transportation network, improving the movement of people, goods and transit throughout Lower Mainland. The Gateway Program includes:

Port Mann / Highway 1 (PMH1) Project

The Port Mann Highway 1 (PMH1) project includes widening the highway, building a new bridge at the Port Mann crossing, upgrading interchanges and improving access and safety from McGill Street in Vancouver to 216^th Street in Langley, a distance of approximately 37 km. Highway improvements also include adding one lane in each direction west of the Port Mann Bridge, and two lanes in each direction east of the Port Mann Bridge, one of which is an HOV lane.

The PMH1 improvements, when completed, will result in reliable transit service crossing the bridge for the first time in 20 years, as well as expanded networks for HOV, cyclists and pedestrians. The PMH1 project will be tolled to pay for the project, and will reduce congestion and moderate traffic growth over time, extending the life of the improvements.

The PMH1 Project conducted comprehensive pre-design public consultation this year. More recently, an application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate has been submitted and the formal public comment period is underway until early November. Certification is anticipated in spring 2008. A shortlist of three pre-qualified proponents has been invited to submit a Request for Proposals (RFP) in early 2008, with a contract anticipated in the fall 2008. Construction for this project will commence shortly after the proponent selection process and is anticipated to be completed by 2013.

North Fraser Perimeter Road Project (NFPR)

A series of upgraded roads and bridges forming a continuous route across the Pitt River and along the north side of the Fraser River, from the Queensborough Bridge in New Westminster and TransLink’s new Golden Ears Bridge in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows.

The NFPR includes a new seven-lane high level bridge across the Pitt River, replacing the two existing swing bridges and a new interchange at the Lougheed Highway and the Mary Hill Interchange. The Pitt River Bridge and Mary Hill Interchange Project has reached some significant project milestones, including a cost-sharing agreement with the federal government, and selecting a proponent. Construction began in February and substantial completion of this project is anticipated by November 2009.

South Fraser Perimeter Road Project (SFPR)

The SFPR is a new four-lane, 80 km/h route along the south side of the Fraser River extending from Deltaport Way in southwest Delta to the Golden Ears Bridge and Highway 1 on the Surrey/Langley border. The SFPR will provide a needed, continuous and efficient route to serve the important freight and service industry along this key economic corridor.

After extensive public consultation, environmental assessment certification is anticipated shortly for this project, with site preparation and construction commencing soon after. Substantial completion of the SFPR is anticipated by 2012.

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Media contact:	Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218	Ken Hardie TransLink 604 220-2450
	Jeff Knight Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation 250 356-7707
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