The Alex Fraser Bridge has been the center of many discussions lately, and the latest includes the addition of a 7th lane.
The construction of the additional lane will be part of a $70 million project by the Government of British Columbia.
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The seventh lane will be added to the Alex Fraser Bridge by narrowing the six existing lanes and removing the shoulders. Crews will use a moveable barrier to allow four lanes of traffic northbound during the morning rush hour, which will later be repositioned in the afternoon to create four lanes for southbound traffic during rush hour. The seventh lane will remain open for southbound traffic for the remainder of the day.
In addition, the project will add 13 electronic signs placed along key points on highways through the Lower Mainland. The signs will provide real-time information about crossing delays for the four Fraser River crossings. The goal will be to provide drivers with enough information to make timely decisions.
According to the Government, the project will be completed in spring 2018, and commuters can expect to save about 12 to 16 minutes during the afternoon rush hour and about six minutes during the morning rush hour.
Furthermore, the speed limit on the bridge will be reduced from 90 kilometres per hour to 70.
The project will be funded by both the Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $33,965,000 through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canda Fund.
