The implementation of the second phase of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project, one of the most expensive projects in British Columbia, Canada, is reportedly well underway.
This phase is between the new 216th Street Interchange and the 264th Street (Highway 13) Interchange in the Township of Langley. It includes widening Highway 1 to accommodate eastbound and westbound high occupancy vehicle (HOV) and electric vehicle (EV) lanes.
It also includes the construction of a new crossing at Glover Road. The new crossing features new three-metre-wide multi-use pathways in both directions and increased clearance over the highway. Thus far concrete pouring for the deck of the new crossing has been completed and the span is expected to open this summer.
Additionally, the second phase of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project includes the reconfiguration of the existing 232 Street Interchange and the replacement of the existing crossing with a new crossing with the same features as the new crossing at Glover Road.
Lastly, this phase involves the replacement of the existing railway crossing immediately east of Glover Road. Unlike the two aforementioned crossings, this will only feature increased highway clearance. Planning and construction work began back in 2020 and it is expected to be fully complete by 2026.
With a price tag of more than US$ 2.4 billion, the second phase of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project is considered one of the most expensive provincial projects in British Columbia. Other projects under this category include the US$ 4 billion SkyTrain Expo Line extension and the US$4 billion George Massey Tunnel projects.
The SkyTrain Millennium Line project is also one of the most expensive projects in B.C. with an estimated cost of US$ 2.8 billion.
Subsequent Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project phases
Also, under implementation is the third phase of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project. This phase covers a total distance of 21 kilometres between 264th Street and Highway 11. It is subdivided into two subphases, Phase 3A and Phase 3B.
Phase 3A involves the improvement of a 13-kilometer section of Highway 1 between the 264th Street Interchange and Mt. Lehman Road. This subphase will be delivered through three major construction contracts.
The first contract covers the construction of a new 264th Street Interchange and the widening of 5.6 kilometres of the highway while the second contract covers the improvement to the Mt. Lehman Crossing and the widening of 3.7 kilometres of highway. The third contract, on the other hand, covers the replacement of the Bradner Road Overpass along with the widening of 3.9 kilometres of highway.
Phase 3B includes improvements of the 8-kilometre stretch between Mt. Lehman Road Interchange and Highway 11. The scope of work comprises the addition of HOV/EV lanes in each direction, the addition of bus-on-shoulder lanes in each direction and the replacement of the Peardonville Road Underpass.
Furthermore, the scope of work of phase 3B of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project involves the improvement of active transportation connections at Clearbrook Road, McCallum Road, and Sumas Way, and the construction of a new Highway 11 Interchange.
The estimated cost of implementation of Phase 3A of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project is US$ 2.34 billion while that of Phase 3B is yet to be determined. Overall, the third phase of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project entered into the preparatory phase with the start of tree clearing, median soil removal, preload and utility relocation in fall 2023.
The actual construction works are expected to begin in 2024.
The 1st and the 4th phases of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project
Earlier, in September 2020 the implementation of the 1st phase of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project was completed.
This phase starts from 202nd Street to 216th Street, a distance of approximately 4 kilometres. It involved the construction of a new four-lane interchange at 216th Street with left turn lanes that provide access to eastbound and westbound Highway 1.
It also involved the provision of pedestrian and cycling access across the 216th Street Interchange overpass as well as the completion of the extension of HOV ramps to and from 202nd Street.
Lastly, the 1st phase of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project comprised the upgrade of the new general-purpose lane to HOV lanes both eastbound and westbound on Highway 1 between 202nd and 216th street.
The implementation of this phase cost US$ 61.9M. It was funded with contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Township of Langley.
The fourth phase of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Project is still in the development stage. This phase extends from Highway 11 through Sumas Prairie into Chilliwack, approximately 17 kilometres. The cost of this phase will be revealed when the scope of the project is defined.
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