VIDEO: Seventh Lane Coming For Alex Fraser Bridge To Reduce Traffic Congestion

To reduce traffic congestion on the Alex Fraser Bridge, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be incorporating a moveable barrier system along the bridge, similar to the operations on the Golden Gate Bridge. 

 

This is part of project to add a 7th lane to the Alex Fraser, by narrowing the six existing lanes slightly and removing the shoulders, and adding 13 electronic message signs to provide real-time information for drivers.

 

 

 

Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for British Columbia, today announced joint funding of just over $70 million to construct an additional lane on the Alex Fraser Bridge.

 

A moveable barrier will be added to allow four lanes of traffic northbound during the morning rush hour. It would then be repositioned to allow four lanes southbound for the afternoon rush hour where it will remain for the rest of the day.

 

 

This project also includes adding 13 electronic signs placed at key decision points on highways throughout the Lower Mainland. These signs will give commuters real-time information about crossing delays for four Fraser River crossings, including the Alex Fraser Bridge, to allow drivers to make timely decisions about which route to travel.

 

Once completed in spring 2018, commuters and other highway users can expect to save about 12 to 16 minutes during the afternoon rush hour and about six minutes during the morning rush hour. More than 130 jobs are expected to be created over the life of the project.