News
Release
February 9.2007
$198 Million Gateway Project Announced for Tri-Cities
PORT
COQUITLAM
-
Today the Federal
Government and the Government of British Columbia signed a contract
to build a new seven-lane bridge across the Pitt River. Federal
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway
and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics,
David Emerson, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, B.C.
Transporation Minister Kevin Falcon, and local MP James Moore,
Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Gateway, a broke ground at
the site today.
The
Government of Canada
is providing $90 million in funding for costs
associated with the construction of the bridge and a new
grade-separated interchange at Lougheed Highway and Mary Hill
Bypass. The Province is providing $108 million.
"This is a critical
investment in the Northeast sector, and will ease the growing
congestion problems in our community," says Moore.
"The ability to move
goods quickly and efficiently through the Lower Mainland and into
the markets across Canada and the United States is a very important
selling point to importers and exporters," said Minister Emerson.
"This new bridge is the first of many Asia-Pacific Gateway and
Corridor projects that will help our local communities, as well as
contribute to Canada's trade competitiveness."
"The economy of the
Pacific is driving the world of today and we must capitalize on our
geographical advantage
by building for our
future," said Premier Campbell. "This is the first contract in our
B.C. Gateway Program to improve infrastructure - reducing congestion
and improving the movement of people and goods to boost our
economy."
"The Pitt River crossing
connects key economic and transportation facilities with Greater
Vancouver," said Lawrence Cannon,
federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities. "This investment demonstrates the commitment of
Canada’s New Government to reducing congestion and improving the
safety and efficiency of this important corridor."
The team of Peter Kiewit &
Sons (PKS) won the competitive bidding process for this project,
meeting all of the required criteria set out in the request for
proposals at the lowest price. The PKS proposal includes an
innovative and cost-effective
bridge concept offering
significant benefits and advantages.
The seven-lane bridge will
replace the two existing swing bridges that have seen vehicle
traffic numbers triple since
1985.
The cable-stayed bridge
design will significantly reduce traffic congestion and delays as
well as reducing interference with marine traffic. With fewer piers
in the river, this new bridge will also reduce impacts to the
environment and marine-users.
Work will begin immediately and the project is expected to be
complete by November 2009.
Canada’s Asia-Pacific
Gateway and Corridor Initiative is an integrated set of investment
and policy measures to strengthen Canada’s competitive position in
international commerce. The Initiative delivers significant new
public investment - $591 million overall, including $321 million in
immediate projects for a variety of infrastructure, transportation
technology and border security projects.
The project is also part
of the B.C. Gateway Program – the Ministry of Transportation’s plan
to meet the needs of B.C.’s growing economy, increasing Asia-Pacific
trade, and a growing population.
-
Additional information about the B.C. Gateway Program can be
found at:
www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca
-
For more information about Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and
Corridor Initiative, please
visit www.tc.gc.ca
