Surrey city council approves traffic Congestion Relief Strategy

The City of Surrey hopes to ease its traffic woes with the approval of a Congestion Relief Strategy that will be rolled out between 2019 and 2023.

During the summer, city council gave the go ahead to the approximately $360 million project, part of its 10-Year Servicing Plan, which is focused on the delivery of road building initiatives to provide greater trip reliability and predictability for residents.

“In managing the growth of our young and dynamic city, it is imperative that we take a comprehensive approach to manage our transportation networks and ease congestion,” said Mayor Linda Hepner. “The Congestion Relief Strategy invests in Intelligent Transportation Systems and road safety, and fast-tracks the delivery of key road, transit, walking and cycling improvements that will have the most impact in accomplishing those goals over the next five years.”

The strategy encompasses several components including 120 kilometres of lanes added to existing infrastructure; 14 kilometres of new protected cycle tracks and multi-use pathways; capacity upgrades at 13 different intersections; five new or improved bridges and interchanges with Highway 99 in South Surrey; and sensors installed for data collection so enhanced real-time travel information can be relayed to drivers; and more.

Councillor Tom Gill, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair, echoed Hepner saying implementing solutions to keep people, goods and services moving is key for the rapidly-growing Surrey.

“In addition to Light Rail Transit, making targeted east-west and north-south corridor improvements, enhancing our regional connections and investing in our highest growth neighbourhoods will directly address residents’ concerns about easing congestion in our city,” said Gill.