Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments Support the Mount Lehman Road 4-Laning Project in Abbotsford

ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 19, 2016) - The governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with the City of Abbotsford, are making infrastructure investments that will help create jobs and grow the middle class today while building a strong foundation for a sustainable future. That is why Jati Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South, today announced $20 million in federal and provincial funding for the Mount Lehman Road 4-laning project in Abbotsford.

Mount Lehman Road is a north-south provincial route that accommodates local, regional and international vehicle travel. It serves as the primary access to the Abbotsford International Airport, and connects the movement of people and goods to the Canada/USA border and beyond.

The project involves the widening of Mount Lehman Road from two lanes to four between north of Simpson Road to north of the Airport, for a distance of approximately two kilometres. Additional road work includes intersection improvements along the corridor as well as improved lighting and roadway drainage.
Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to add Mount Lehman Road to their route with plans for bike lanes on both sides of the road.

This lane expansion will improve safety and efficiency on Mount Lehman Road, as well as accommodate pressures from projected growth in the local, regional and international economies over the next 25 years.

The Government of Canada will be contributing up to $8,375,000 to this project through the New Building Canada Fund Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects. The Province of British Columbia will be providing up to $11,625,000 and the City of Abbotsford will contribute $2,000,000, for a total project cost of $22,000,000.

Quotes

"Public infrastructure connects people, supports job creation, and boosts economic development. Working in partnership with every order of government, we are making smart investments that will foster a thriving middle class by opening the country to new economic, social and environmental possibilities. . In Abbotsford, the Mount Lehman Road 4-laning project will benefit local businesses, support tourism and foster long-term prosperity in the region for generations to come."

Jati Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon,

On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Expanding Mt. Lehman Road from two lanes to four is another example of how transportation infrastructure is a key support for economic growth and development in our growing communities. This vital road improvement project will be a valuable addition to the local transportation network, making for a smoother commute through the community, providing better access to nearby commercial interests and making for a more efficient flow of people and goods to and from the Abbotsford International Airport.

Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South

On behalf of Todd Stone, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

"Upgrading Mt. Lehman Road to four lanes is a significant step towards building a vibrant economy and a complete community, reinforcing Abbotsford as the regional hub of the Fraser Valley. This is a long term solution that will serve as a gateway for the City by improving access to our international airport, ensuring access to foreign markets, and will allow for greater commercial viability for our industrial lands."

Henry Braun, Mayor, City of Abbotsford

Associated Links

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120 billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/bc-eng.html

Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component - National and Regional Projects: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html

Have your say on infrastructure: http://www.infraconsults.ca/

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure: http://tranbc.ca/

B.C. on the Move: www.gov.bc.ca/bconthemove