Image: BC Govt / Flickr / File / Project to widen Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley continues.
Road Safety

Highway 1 widening through Langley moving ahead

Feb 16, 2024 | 10:50 AM

LANGLEY — In a bid to alleviate transit congestion, the provincial government has put a major highway-widening project through Langley out to tender. The project includes the widening of Highway 1 between 216 and 264 streets and when complete, will include high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) and electric vehicle (EV) lanes, along with the introduction of a reconfigured 232 Street Interchange.

Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, says the government is committed to easing traffic concerns in the area. “By adding lanes for high-occupancy and electric vehicles, we’re helping to keep goods moving smoothly, while making it easier for people to get to and from work so they can spend more time with family,” Fleming said.

The expansion of Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley is expected to reduce traffic congestion but also to accommodate more eco-friendly transportation alternatives. HOV lanes will be incorporated in both directions between the 216 Street and 264 Street interchanges, with new lanes added towards the median.

“This project aims to improve safety, ease of travel and sustainability for commuters,” said Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, Sean Fraser. “The new addition of HOV and EV lanes will promote the transition towards greener forms of highway transportation. This investment will also contribute to Metro Vancouver’s sustainable development, facilitating the efficient exchange of goods and services across the province.”

The 232nd Street Interchange, a crucial link for Langley residents connecting Highway 1 to Highway 10, will undergo a comprehensive overhaul. The revamped interchange will enhance capacity, increase height clearance over Highway 1, and feature three-metre-wide multi-use pathways in both directions to integrate with the local active-transportation network.

“When completed, these upgrades to the Highway 1 corridor through Langley will greatly improve how people get around in our community,” said Langley East MLA Megan Dykeman. “The new interchange will make it easier for people to bike or walk, reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.”

The initiative marks the second of three construction contracts for Phase 2 of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Improvement Program. Construction west of 232 Street is already underway, with the Glover Road crossing over Highway 1 expected to be completed by summer 2024.

The project, valued at $345 million, is receiving substantial support from the federal government. It’s contributing up to $96.05 million through the New Building Canada Fund, with the remaining funds coming from the provincial government. As work progresses, attention is turning towards Phase 3A and 3B through Abbotsford.

Phase 4 of the project will extend from Highway 11 through Sumas Prairie into Chilliwack. No hard dates have been set for Phase 4.

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