Highway 11 interchange in Abbotsford. (Image Credit: B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transport.)
Transportation project

Major construction begins on Abbotsford interchange project; Chilliwack company awarded $118 million contract

Apr 9, 2026 | 10:22 AM

ABBOTSFORD – The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit now says major construction is underway on the Highway 11 Interchange Project in Abbotsford, paving the way for its replacement and the eventual widening of Highway 1 with an estimated completion date in 2031.

According to a statement from the ministry Thursday morning, the replacement of the interchange at Highway 11 will accommodate increased traffic volumes by adding an additional lane in each direction, making travel easier throughout the region.

The province says the project will feature reduced congestion, faster travel, improved safety, new HOV lanes and bike paths. Anticipated completion of the Highway 11 Interchange Project is 2031.

“As the hub of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford sees more than 80,000 vehicles travel through our community on highways every day, connecting people, supporting local businesses and moving goods across the region,” Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens said. “Upgrades to the Highway 11 interchange are an important step in reducing congestion and improving traffic safety for residents, commuters and commercial traffic alike. We welcome the start of major construction, which will help ensure our transportation network can continue to support a growing community and a strong regional and national economy, now and into the future.”

These improvements form part of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Improvement Program, with an underlying goal of facilitating efficient goods movement for commercial drivers and improving safety and reliability for commuters and motorists alike.

Work on Highway 1 will include widening 2.1 kilometres of the highway from McKenzie Road to just east of the Highway 11 interchange. That work includes new HOV/EV lanes, as well as bus-on-shoulder lanes and an extension of the westbound truck climbing lane, improving traffic flow and transit efficiency.

Improvements will also be made to the intersections at Highway 11/Marshall Road and Highway 11/Delair Road. In addition, the project will enhance active-transportation connections, including multi-use paths, sidewalks and bike lanes.

The Highway 11 Interchange Project is the feature of Phase 3B of the overall widening program, with $2.65 billion in provincial funding, and is expected to be complete in 2031.

The province announced in December 2025 the $242-million award for the design-build contract to Metro Vancouver (Infrastructure) Partnership, a joint venture between Hall Constructors, Jacob Bros. and EBC Inc.

As work on the corridor continues, two additional major-works contracts in Phase 3B will move forward this year, including the contract for work on Mainline East. This contract has recently been awarded to Chilliwack-based Jakes Construction for $118 million. The project will widen approximately 4.6 kilometres of Highway 1 and add HOV/EV and bus-on-shoulder lanes. Construction updates will be released later in the spring.

Now that major work has started at Highway 11, drivers should expect construction speed-zone limits, lane shifting and overnight lane closures.

The province says surrounding businesses will remain open and accessible during construction and the public is encouraged to continue supporting local businesses in the area. A reduced speed limit of 50 km/h on Highway 11 will be in place.