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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release Dec. 27, 2011 |
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
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Making Progress: Transportation
B.C.’s transportation infrastructure drives success
VICTORIA – B.C.’s transportation network saw one of its busiest-ever construction seasons in 2011, thereby improving safety, reducing congestion, providing greener travel options and creating better access to B.C.’s communities and the province’s natural resources.
These are just a few examples of significant progress made by government in 2011 to improve the lives of British Columbians and their families by creating and protecting jobs, by becoming more open and transparent, and by continuing to be fiscally responsible in these uncertain economic times.
In response to record demands in Asia for the province’s lumber and coal, the B.C. government and its partners continued to invest in transportation infrastructure to enhance trade corridors. Approximately $1.5 billion worth of projects were completed this year, the majority of which were significant investments in rail infrastructure from Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway.
As part of the BC Jobs Plan, Premier Christy Clark confirmed a $15-million contribution for the planned Port of Prince Rupert development. Investments also included the Nelson Road/Highway 91 interchange and the 28th Avenue overpass.
B.C. continues to build on its competitive advantage for Asia-Pacific trade by strengthening infrastructure to get goods to market faster. The mobility of traffic in the Lower Mainland will improve with the construction of the Port Mann/Highway 1 project, which is now more than 50 per cent complete, and the South Fraser Perimeter Road, which saw construction progress along the entire 40 km route. Truck traffic will be re-routed from local roads onto portions of the South Fraser Perimeter Road in Surrey starting in 2012.
Rural British Columbia continues to be a priority for government. In 2011, more than 70 per cent of B.C.’s highway expansion and improvement projects were outside the Lower Mainland. This work helps increase safety for local residents, improve access for industry and ensure goods get to market safely and efficiently.
Quotes:
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom –
“Our priority is to build on our world-class transportation network to meet the growing needs of families and industry. B.C. is Canada’s gateway to Asia Pacific and global trade, and we will continue to invest in our highways, ports, airports and rail systems to ensure we can capitalize on all the opportunities before us.”
B.C. Trucking Association president and CEO Louise Yako –
“The B.C. Trucking Association and its members appreciate the leadership of the provincial government in building and expanding our highway infrastructure, and we acknowledge the great work done by contractors around the province.”
“Trucks on the road are a visible barometer of the health of the economy. We are the vital link that connects our ports and rail, creating a competitive, world-class supply chain that will help B.C. prosper in a global market.”
Quick Facts:
· The Province worked with the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation to identify funding options for the regional share of the Evergreen Line. Advance construction works will start in early 2012.
· The Pacific Gateway Alliance announced:
o $50-million investment in the Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement Project to increase container capacity by more than 30 per cent at the terminal.
o $15-million investment toward the $90-million Road, Rail and Utility Corridor at the Port of Prince Rupert.
o China Southern Airlines’ new passenger service from Guanzhou and cargo services from Shanghai to Vancouver International Airport.
o $20-million contract for Ramsay Machine Works to build a stacker-reclaimer for Neptune Terminals.
· 288 community infrastructure projects, valued at over $785 million, were completed through funding under the Building Canada and Infrastructure Stimulus Funds.
· Across B.C. this year, nearly $700 million has been invested in more than 300 highways projects. Highlights include:
o Start of construction on a $77.9-million upgrade to improve the safety of Highway 97 between Winfield and Oyama.
o Start of work to widen Highway 1 to four lanes near Monte Creek.
o An investment of more than $80 million in road improvements in the Peace.
o Phase 3 of the Kicking Horse Canyon Project nearing completion.
· Under the New West Partnership agreement, the governments of B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan adopted uniform rules that allow trucks to operate more efficiently between provinces.
· The DriveBC website continued to expand. It now has 200 live webcams and a mobile application to help drivers plan safe trips.
· 240 km of rumble strips were installed on 12 highways in the Southern Interior to improve motorist safety.
Learn More:
· Follow the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca
· Learn more about Canada’s Pacific Gateway at: www.pacificgateway.gov.bc.ca
· Follow the progress of the Port Mann/Highway 1 project at: www.pmh1project.com
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Contact:
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Kate Trotter Government Communications and Public Engagement Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 250 356-8241
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Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
