The South Fraser Perimeter Road officially opened last Saturday.
Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the minister of national revenue, joined B.C. Transportation Minister Todd Stone and other politicians at a ceremony in the Tilbury area of Delta to open the entire stretch of the four-lane, almost 40-kilometre highway.
The billion-dollar route is now called Highway 17 and the old Highway 17 in South Delta becomes Highway 17A.
The most eastern section opened a year ago while the South Delta stretch was opened to drivers on Dec. 15 while paving work was done on Highway 17A.
"The completion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road is good news for the Metro Vancouver region," said Findlay. "It means a better road network and more capacity to transport goods to and from fastgrowing markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
"This project demonstrates that when we work together with our partners through the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, we can develop projects that facilitate international trade and create jobs and economic growth in local communities across
Canada."
The route along the south side of the Fraser River extends from Deltaport Way in South Delta to 176th Street in Surrey, with connections to highways 1, 15, 17, 91, 99 and the Golden Ears Bridge.
The SFPR is a key part of the government's commitment to expanding markets and improving the safe and efficient movement of goods and people, said Stone.
The province notes the SFPR will generate economic and business opportunities and lead to 7,000 long-term jobs in Delta and Surrey through improved industrial development opportunities along the corridor.
"Our community will benefit hugely from the opening of the South Fraser Perimeter Road," said Delta Mayor Lois Jackson.
"The new route provides greater access to the Tilbury industrial area, taking commercial trucks off Highway 99 and River Road. This will make for safer, smoother travel for our residents throughout the community."
Delta managed to convince the government to install several highway signs encouraging drivers to visit Ladner and Tsawwassen.
Millions in irrigation improvements for South Delta's farmlands were undertaken as part of the compensation measures for the project.
Next on the government's agenda is the construction of a bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel. A number of technical studies are underway for that mega project, slated for construction in 2017.
Meanwhile, Port Metro Vancouver is planning a major expansion at Roberts Bank. A number of road and rail projects are already underway or planned to accommodate the existing facility, but additional projects will take place if Terminal 2 is approved.
