Drivers face new construction on Alex Fraser lanes starting next week
Posted October 19, 2018 3:12 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
DELTA (NEWS 1130) – Starting next week, commuters who use the Alex Fraser Bridge will be seeing more construction along Highway 91 between 72nd Avenue and Nordel Way in Delta.
It’s the next stage in a $70-million project to add capacity to the 30-year-old Alex Fraser Bridge. Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon says crews will be on the bridge adding lane space by January. He says the expansion is still on budget and hopes, once finished, the extra space will end up saving time for commuters. Construction shouldn’t be too disruptive for drivers, either, he says.
RELATED: Yay or nay: Is Hwy91 moving better through Delta without the traffic light at 72nd?
“Most of the work will be done overnight so we expect minimal disruptions for commuters,” he says. “In January, commuters will see work starting to be done on Alex Fraser Bridge for the additional lane.”
He says he can’t be certain for sure if there will be closures in the future.
As for what’s happening with the Massey Tunnel, he says he’s not sure what the Ministry of Transportation will decide. Claire Trevena is still reviewing an engineering report outlining options for repairing or replacing the tunnel, something she has been doing since the summer.
He says the government should be releasing details of that report “fairly soon.”
RELATED: Overpass in Delta replaces traffic lights on Highway 91
“There’s no doubt, we know that there’s still a bottle neck there,” says Kahlon. “We know some of the traffic will ease because of the additional lane here, but still a solution needs to be found (for the tunnel).”
As for the on-going issue of congestion on 72nd Street, he says that’s mostly in the city’s domain.
“I know they have been having some conversations about ways that they can ease that traffic,” he says. “I think that question is better directed to the new mayor and council.”
– With files from Tim James
