INFORMATION BULLETIN
For Immediate Release 2008TRAN0058-001264 Aug. 19, 2008	Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
PREFERRED PROPONENT SELECTED FOR PORT MANN / HIGHWAY 1

VICTORIA – Connect BC Development Group has been selected to enter into negotiations with the provincial government for the Port Mann/Highway 1 project within the government’s Gateway program. Contract negotiations are currently underway as part of the competitive selection process.

 

The Connect BC Development Group team includes the Macquarie Group, Transtoll Inc., Peter Kiewit Sons Co. and Flatiron Constructors Canada Limited.

 

The Request for Proposals (RFP) evaluation was undertaken by an evaluation team including leading experts in highway safety, construction traffic management, highway design and construction, finance, environment, engineering and other technical areas.

 

Jane S. Shackell, QC, the fairness reviewer for the competitive selection process, has had full access to every aspect of the evaluation and will prepare an independent opinion regarding the fairness of the process.

 

The Port Mann / Highway 1 project consists of the construction of a new Port Mann Bridge and widening Highway 1, upgrading interchanges and improving safety and access between McGill Street in Vancouver and 216th Street in Langley, a distance of approximately 37 km.

 

The Port Mann / Highway 1 project will reduce congestion and travel time, improve safety and accessibility, and allow buses to travel over the Port Mann Bridge for the first time in over two decades. It will also expand networks for HOV, cyclists and pedestrians, and the bridge will be built to accommodate potential future light rapid transit.

 

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2008, with completion by 2013.

 

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Media contact:	Dave Crebo Communications Director Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 250 387-7787
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