The South Fraser Perimeter Road is set to open in a matter of days.
Crews have completed most of the major works in order to open the highway, Delta council was told Monday.
An official ribbon-cutting date hasn't been announced, but it's expected sometime next week, said municipal transportation engineer Doreann Mayhew.
The new highway will be officially called Highway 17, while the old Highway 17 is to be renamed Highway 17A.
Part of the new road will be open to South Deltans starting this Sunday and, like it or not, drivers will have to use it.
That's because it was just announced that a section of the old Highway 17 will be closed for paving and ramp construction between 34B Avenue and 28th Avenue. The closure will be in effect for five days.
Traffic to and from Deltaport Way won't be affected by the closure, but access from Deltaport Way east to the existing Highway 17 north will be restricted to passenger vehicles and local truck deliveries.
Those exiting Tsawwassen headed to the George Massey Tunnel will be funneled onto the South Fraser Perimeter Road, which will take them to northbound Highway 99.
Those leaving Tsawwassen bound for Ladner can stay on 56th Street and proceed to Arthur Drive/53rd Street.
Meanwhile, those travelling south through the tunnel headed for Tsawwassen can proceed along Highway 99 to the new South Fraser Perimeter Road exit. The other way is to travel down the old Highway 17 for a while, but drivers will be detoured via Deltaport Way. From there, they will eventually reach Arthur Drive/53rd Street.
Council this week was also told Delta received approval from the province for two signs along Highway 17 and 17A to promote Ladner and Tsawwassen to passing motorists. Costing $50,000, the first sign promoting Tsawwassen will be placed on Highway 17A near 56th Street. The second sign promoting Ladner will be placed on Highway 17A near Ladner Trunk Road.
Concern was expressed the Ladner sign will miss drivers who are already on the South Fraser Perimeter Road.
Noting Delta had applied for four signs but had only been given permission for two, engineering director Steven Lan said the Tsawwassen sign would be altered to include mention of Ladner on the bottom.
