The billion-dollar South Fraser Perimeter Road is scheduled to open in its entirety in a matter of days, changing traffic patterns for local drivers, particularly those in Tsawwassen.
The 40-kilometre, fourlane route along the south side of the Fraser River will stretch from Deltaport Way in South Delta to 176th Street (Highway 15) in Surrey, with connections to highways 1, 15, 91, 99, and the Golden Ears Bridge.
The easternmost section in Surrey opened months ago, while the stretch between Tsawwassen and Ladner will open to traffic Sunday in order to undertake paving on what is now the old Highway 17.
A ribbon cutting to open the entire length of the highway hasn't been set, but could come as soon as next week, depending on weather and last-minute work. The South Fraser Perimeter Road's official name is now Highway 17, while the old Highway 17 in South Delta has been renamed Highway 17A and has become a local road.
Drivers heading out of Tsawwassen via the highway will find themselves on the SFPR and as they head northeast they will encounter several interchanges and intersections, including: Highway 99 interchange near 72nd Street in Delta.
Full movement intersections at Tilbury and Sunbury business parks in Delta, with a connection to Highway 91 and Nordel Way east of the Sunbury intersection.
Tannery Road Interchange in Surrey.
Full movement intersection at Bridgeview Drive (130th Street) in Surrey.
136th Street intersection in Surrey providing access for the industrial area on the north side of SFPR.
176th Street/104th Avenue intersection in Surrey and connections to Highway 1. Residents of Tsawwassen will have two choices if they're looking to access the George Massey Tunnel: Option 1: SFPR (new Highway 17) - A slightly longer route, but quicker due to additional lanes, faster moving traffic and no traffic signals. The routing is as follows: Access Highway 17 from 56th Street as per today, continue along Highway 17 as it shifts east to the new alignment, exit using the new two-lane off ramp to Highway 99 northbound. These two lanes continue along Highway 99 until the Highway 17A interchange and are barrier-separated from Highway 99 traffic. Highway 17 traffic merges with Highway 99 traffic as per today. HOV traffic can access the queue jumper lane to the tunnel at the Highway 17A interchange as per today.
Option 2: Highway 17A - A slightly shorter but slower route due to the traffic signal at Ladner Trunk Road. The routing is as follows: Access the current Highway 17 from 56th Street as per today, then exit Highway 17 using the one-lane off-ramp to Highway 17A. Continue along Highway 17A, which becomes two lanes after 34B Avenue. North of Ladner Trunk Road, follow road signs that will indicate one right lane for exit to Highway 99 northbound and one through lane to River Road. The HOV queue jumper ramp will remain.
Ladner drivers will continue to use Highway 17A to access the tunnel and will also likely use the old highway to visit Tsawwassen. The SFPR, however, will provide both Ladner and Tsawwassen drivers quicker access to Highway 1 and the eastern suburbs.
For more information, check www.sfprconstruction.ca.
