Major expansion of B.C. Highway 1 in Fraser Valley to begin soon
Residents travelling through the Fraser Valley will have to undergo some short-term pain for some long-term gain as the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit has announced work will soon begin on a major expansion of a section of Highway 1.
The Mount Lehman Road Interchange Project will see the roadway expanded from three lanes to five lanes, “to more easily connect Abbotsford to the Fraser Highway and Abbotsford International Airport,” the ministry states.
Construction is expected to begin as early as March 9, and traffic on the Mount Lehman structure will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes, with one lane in each direction to help accommodate the construction of the wider structure.
“The lane reduction is anticipated to remain in place until the end of 2026,” the ministry said in a release.
“Since reduced lanes may cause delays, travellers are encouraged to plan and allow extra travel time through the area while construction is underway. Drivers are reminded to obey all signage and traffic-control personnel. Travellers can check DriveBC for the most up-to-date information,” the ministry adds.
Aside from the expansion to five lanes on this section of Highway 1 in the Fraser Valley, the project will allow for other benefits and expansions, including a new southbound lane and a new northbound-to-westbound left-turn lane, seismic upgrades, and a new multi-use path on the east side of the structure to improve pedestrian and active transportation options.
The project will see around 3.5 km of widening on Highway 1.
“The upgrades will support growing communities, improve safety and reliability, and keep people and goods moving efficiently throughout the region,” the ministry said in its release.
“As Abbotsford continues to grow, improvements to the Mount Lehman Interchange are critical to keeping people and goods moving safely and efficiently,” said Ross Siemens, mayor of Abbotsford, in a statement.
“By reducing congestion and improving reliability along this key corridor, we support the efficient flow of goods and services that local businesses and the regional economy rely on, while also helping residents and families travel more easily to work, school and community activities. Investments like this help build a safer, more connected and economically resilient Abbotsford, today and into the future,” Siemens added.
Pedestrian, cycling and transit access across the structure is expected to be maintained throughout construction, and businesses are expected to remain open. The ministry encourages residents to continue supporting local businesses in the area.
You can read more about the expansion on the ministry’s website.