Roadwork to improve access to industrial lands on the Tsawwassen First Nation and in Delta is now complete, helping to increase efficiency and safety for people who travel on this route, the province announced in a news release this week.
"Thanks to strong government partnerships and the support of the Tsawwassen First Nation, important improvements to Highway 91/17 and the Deltaport Way project are now complete," said Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
"Improving trade security and access to industrial sites is critical to strengthening local economies and keeping our businesses competitive. More efficient traffic flow also helps reduce carbon emissions to build a greener future for our children and grandchildren."
This work completes the 27B Avenue upgrades of the Highway 91/17 Deltaport Way Project. Improvements included a merge lane that improves access from 27B Avenue to Deltaport Way, as well as road widening and upgrades on 27B Avenue between Deltaport Way and 41B Street.
These upgrades improve access to industrial lands and access to the Canadian Border Service Agency's container examination facility.
The work supports recently completed industrial and commercial developments in the area.
"The Tsawwassen First Nation had an integral part in completing this portion of the project and our government is proud to work in partnership with them," said Claire Trevena, B.C.'s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
"The upgrades make the route safer, providing relief for people living or working in Delta and the Tsawwassen First Nation Treaty Lands."
Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Ken Baird said, "This project makes it easier for people to access the products, services and buildings on Tsawwassen lands. We are dedicated to working with our partners on creating a better, more liveable, more prosperous region for everybody."
Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, said, "Delivering this project in partnership with the Province of B.C., the federal government and Tsawwassen First Nation is one way we are supporting economic prosperity through trade, while taking steps to support thriving communities and maintain a healthy environment. These upgrades will improve transportation efficiencies for the movement of goods in our region and will reduce congestion, as well as air emissions for those living in the community around Tsawwassen."
The $5.2-million 27B Avenue improvement project was funded by the Tsawwassen First Nation and delivered by the provincial government.
These upgrades are part of the Highway 91/17 and Deltaport Way Upgrade Project, which is being completed in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Tsawwassen First Nation.
Upcoming Highway 91/17 upgrades include:
improvements to the Highway 91 at Nordel Interchange
upgrades to the Highway 91 Connector at Nordel Way intersection
a new interchange at Highway 17 and Highway 91 Connector (Sunbury)
improvements to the River Road connection
Construction on the remaining phases is expected to start in early 2020 with completion scheduled for 2023.
