VANCOUVER — B.C.’s newest highway, the South Fraser Perimeter Road, opened Saturday, connecting all five major Fraser River crossings.
“The completion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road is good news for the Metro Vancouver region. It means a better road network and more capacity to transport goods to and from fast-growing markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region,”said Kerry-Lynne Findlay, MP for Delta-Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue who officially opened the highway along with B.C.'s Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.
The new four-lane highway makes commuting quicker and easier as it connects to all five major Fraser River crossings and offers more travel options.
“This new route is a game-changer for industry, commuters and tourists — it will cut commute times for families and make B.C. more competitive by connecting key port and rail facilities with access to borders, the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and the B.C. Interior,” said Stone.
As an example, travel time between Highway 1 and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal is now less than 30 minutes, compared with travel times of double that using Highway 10, the statement said.
The new highway will generate economic and business opportunities and lead to 7,000 long-term jobs in Delta and Surrey through improved industrial development opportunities along the corridor. More than 4,000 jobs were created during construction.
“The new route provides greater access to the Tilbury industrial area, taking commercial trucks off Highway 99 and River Road. This will make for safer, smoother travel for our residents throughout the community,” said Delta Mayor Lois E. Jackson.
