South Fraser Perimeter Road

operational

Opportunity The Metro Vancouver Area’s population is expected to reach three million by 2031—up from 2.4 million in 2011— with 50 per cent of growth to take place in Surrey, Delta and the northeast. The South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) had been part of British Columbia’s regional transportation plans for more than 20 years. The project is also a key element of the Gateway Program, which was established by the Province of British Columbia in 2003 in response to the impact of growing regional congestion and to improve the movement of people and goods through the region. The project was completed in two phases, the second of which was delivered using a public-private partnership. The Government of Canada contributed $365 million to the project—$363 million towards construction, and $2 million towards environmental enhancements— through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative. Innovations The project included the largest environmental and agricultural mitigation and enhancement plan for a highway construction in British Columbia. The project underwent an extensive public consultation process. During construction, the Province made milestone payments monthly based on progress made towards achieving pre-determined levels of completion. Using a P3 resulted in design innovations as a result of the competitive process whereby proponents were encouraged to develop the best possible design. Results The SFRP is a four-lane, 40-kilometre long road located on the south side of the Fraser River extending from Highway 17 and Deltaport Way through Delta and Surrey with connections to Highways 1, 15, 17, 91, 99 and the Golden Ears Bridge. The SFPR opened on-time and on-budget. The SFPR reduces east-west travel times by between 30 minutes to one hour, particularly for heavy trucks, by providing a continuous highway along the south side of the Fraser River. The project resulted in an 80 per cent reduction in truck traffic on River Road in the North Delta residential community and a 50 per cent reduction in traffic on River Road in Sunbury and Tilbury. In addition to benefiting the trucking industry by providing a connection to primary gateway facilities including ports, airports and rail terminals, the project returns municipal roads to the role of community connectors, increasing the quality of life for residents and local businesses. Improvements to fisheries and wildlife enhancement sites including Alex Fraser tidal wetlands, Crescent Slough and Manson Canal Tidal wetland provides environmental benefits. The project’s significant agricultural enhancements including topsoil conservation and irrigation/drainage system improvements increases the range and quality of crops that can be grown on more than 15,000 acres of farmland The Project is generated new commercial and industrial development opportunities along the Surrey/Delta corridor, and created 7,000 long-term jobs. “The SFPR is a key part of our commitment to expanding our markets and improving the safe and efficient movement of goods and people. 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.” - B.C.’s Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone

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