The BC Government recently signed the final contract for the South Fraser Perimeter Road. Although pre-load has been underway for some time, the real work will begin soon, as the project heads towards its 2013 completion date. The 40km four lane expressway will link Deltaport to the west with the Pacific Highway in the east, connecting to Highways 1, 91, 99, and the Golden Ears Bridge.
Primary concerns about the project surround the expropriation of prime agricultural lands, as well as the effects of the highway as it passes along the edge of Burns Bog. In Surrey, most of the criticism has arisen due to the route’s effect on the small community of Bridgeview, currently bordered on the west by King George, on the north by the Fraser River, and on the south by the bluffs of Whalley.
While much of the route will simply be an upgrade to existing facilities now provided by River Road in Delta, the entire section from King George east to 176 St will be brand new. This will facilitate new goods movement connections that cannot currently exist; connections that will be a boon for Surrey City Centre.
At the moment, all goods movement from New Westminster or Delta must travel eastwards through Whalley and Guildford to access Highway 1. This translates into heavy truck traffic on 108 Ave, 104 Ave, King George Boulevard, 96 Ave, 88 Ave, and Fraser Highway. This traffic contributes significantly to the reduced livability and walkability of King George Boulevard, as well as other main arterial roads through the City Centre.
When the South Fraser Perimeter Road opens, it is expected that a notable percentage of this truck traffic will no longer use the arterials, removing unwanted goods movement from the core of our City. The Province expects 70-80% reductions in truck traffic in North Delta, and it would be safe to say Surrey will likely see similar decreases.
All of which bodes well for the livability of Surrey City Centre. With a decrease in truck usage, traffic calming infrastructure can be established to help humanize King George Boulevard, and other main arterials in the area. One intervention first floated by Bing Thom Architects was the installation of a traffic circle at 108 Ave and King George, meant to symbolize a gateway into the City Centre area. At the moment, a traffic circle is deemed unfeasible due to the amount of trucks traveling along the route, though if a decrease comes, perhaps a renewed interest in the idea may surface.
King George and 108 Ave as envisioned by Bing Thom Architects
I know i for one can’t wait to see the trucks of 108 ave. Its really bad when there is a high school and elementary school right by it.
King George should be a calmer street, just like Grandville St in Downtown.
Cars and trucks are flying 100 miles an hour along king George from 100 ave to the patullo bridge, its crazy. what kind of a downtown is this?