No. H166/05
For release July 26, 2005

NEW RAMPS ON HIGHWAY 1 IN B.C.: $2.5 MILLION
PROJECT TO IMPROVE ACCESS, EASE CONGESTION

SURREY, B.C. — The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia today announced the construction of new on and off ramps at the current Highway 1 overpass at 192^nd Street. In announcing the project, David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and co-Senior Minister Responsible for British Columbia, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, and British Columbia Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon stated the new project would ease congestion, improve safety, and result in environmental and social benefits.

"This project is an important component in advancing British Columbia’s transportation system in the Greater Vancouver Area," said Mr. Emerson. "The continuing funding partnership between the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia is making real improvements to B.C.’s highway infrastructure possible."

"The partnership between the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia is making a major difference in the infrastructure of this province," said Mr. Lapierre. "These improvements will increase the level of safety on Highway 1 and significantly reduce congestion."

The construction of this $2.5-million project will begin in the fall of 2005 following public consultation and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2006. The Government of Canada will contribute $900,000 while the Province of British Columbia will contribute $1.6 million. This funding agreement is part of the $600-million Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program announced in April 2001.

The new highway project consists of:

• an off-ramp from Highway 1 eastbound, turning north onto the 192^nd Street overpass into the heart of Port Kells business area; and
• an on-ramp onto Highway 1 westbound, starting at 192^nd Street (southbound).

The 192^nd Street ramps will significantly relieve traffic pressures on the 176^th Street/Barnston Route.

"This project is a crucial component of building an efficient and safe transportation infrastructure in the Lower Mainland to support a thriving economy and growing communities," said Mr. Falcon. "The populations of Langley and Surrey alone are projected to grow by over 85 per cent between 2003 and 2031."

The 192^nd Street ramps will complement additional highway projects being undertaken in the area including:

• improvements to the interchange between Highway 1 and 200th Street;
• the new Golden Ears Bridge at 200^th Street, scheduled for completion in 2008;
• improvements to Highway 15 (176^th Street) plus the new connector road between Golden Ears Bridge and Highway 15 via Port Kells; and
• the provincial government’s Gateway Program to enhance capacity on Highway 1.

As the Greater Vancouver Region has grown and its population centre has shifted eastward, Port Kells has become a major regional business centre. Its strategic location near rapidly growing suburban communities with good access to major east-west and north-south road arteries has made Port Kells an important shipping centre for goods moving domestically and internationally.

A backgrounder with further information on the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program is attached.

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BACKGROUNDER

STRATEGIC HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

In the February 2000 budget, the Government of Canada committed to improve the economy and the quality of life for Canadians by investing up to $600 million over five years in highway infrastructure across Canada. In April 2001, the Government of Canada announced the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP). The program has two components: a $500 million highway construction component and a $100 million national system integration component.

Under SHIP, $500 million, including $15 million in administrative costs, is available to address the needs of Canada’s highways. The program formally began in fiscal year 2002-2003. The Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories to identify those parts of the National Highway System that — because of growing traffic and increasing trade — need immediate attention. This will result in a safer and more efficient highway system for all Canadians.

An allocation formula has been developed to distribute the $485 million available to the provinces and territories for road construction under SHIP. The formula consists of a minimum of $4 million per jurisdiction plus a share based on population and a 50-50 cost-sharing ratio with the province. Under this formula, the total federal allocation for the Province of British Columbia is $61.2 million.

SHIP is providing $100 million nationally to fund initiatives that better integrate Canada’s transportation system. These include the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems across Canada, improvements to border crossings and improving transportation planning. Intelligent Transportation Systems include applications such as advanced systems for traveller information, traffic management, public transport, commercial vehicle operations, emergency response management and vehicle safety.

Environmental assessments that meet the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and British Columbia environmental approvals will be undertaken before these projects begin. Funding for the projects is conditional on the results of these assessments and receipt of environmental approvals.

SHIP continues the Government of Canada’s long tradition of highway funding that started more than 80 years ago. In fact, Transport Canada will have invested more than $1.9 billion between 1993 and 2005 to improve highways across Canada. The federal government also invests in transportation-related infrastructure through other programs such as the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Border Infrastructure Fund.

For more information on the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program, please visit www.tc.gc.ca/SHIP/menu.htm.

July 2005