The Growing Highway #1 Traffic Crisis with no help in sight

Image - South Fraser Community Rail Society

South Fraser Community Rail Society - “Bringing you Hydrogen Passenger Rail to the Fraser Valley”
URGENT - Critical absence of Interregional Transit Service South of the Fraser​

#ConnectTheValley

UPDATED List of Supporters:

The list of supporters continues to grow for a reactivated Interurban Passenger Rail Transit service South of Fraser on a Publicly owned Rail Corridor with protected passenger rights, is unequalled, unmatched and unparalleled.

“All South of Fraser Municipalities 2009” 
“88% Public Support ResearchCo Poll North Delta out to Chilliwack” 
“John Horgan Sept. 2022” 
“ALL Post Secondary Institutions”
“University of the Fraser Valley Transportation Demand Management Strategy” 
“University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society”
“B.C. Indigenous Housing Society” ​

“Township of Langley UBCM Resolution” 
“Unanimous Lower Mainland Local Government Association” 
“Surrey Board of Trade”
“Hydrogen B.C./Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association”
“Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives”
“B.C. Government Fraser Valley Regional Rail Pre-Feasibility Study”

Despite all of the above SUPPORT - “WHY” is the NDP ignoring this publicly owned priceless public transit option for 1.3 million residents South of the Fraser?” It is time to call the NDP to account!

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Today, we draw your attention to the significant issue impacting all of us – check out the increasing traffic volume on Highway 1, measured just east of 200th Street. There is a publicly owned quick, efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective Interregional Transit solution available:

A State-of-the-art Hydrogen Passenger Rail Transit corridor - Pattullo Bridge to Chilliwack – 90 minutes / 14 stops!

An analysis reveals some very compelling statistics: 

• In 2016, the average daily traffic volume was 81,893 vehicles. 
  
• By 2023, (7years) this daily traffic volume had increased by 20% to 98,326 vehicles. 

If we extrapolate this growth trend, we can expect the following very real projections: 

• By 2030, the daily traffic volume could reach 117,991 vehicles (a 20% increase over 2023). 
  
• By 2037, (7 years) daily traffic volume could rise to 141,589 vehicles, assuming a growth rate of 20%. 

These figures indicate the substantial increase in traffic over the next decade and beyond. It is crucial to note that the growth rate between 2016 and 2023 reflects a slower period compared to the accelerated growth we are currently experiencing. This acceleration is driven by factors such as population growth (net immigration), recent provincial housing legislative changes and the population shift up the valley. 

A deliberate act of public deception by the NDP? The truth about Highway 1 widening is not being told to the public South of the Fraser. Through endless press releases and press conferences, the goal posts continue to change. The construction start and completion dates are frankly impossible – Hwy 11 / Sumas Way to Chilliwack, no dates provided? Completion dates for Highway 1 widening is at least 12 years away, just to Sumas Way – Chilliwack, years later! This is just common sense!

The Impact of Traffic Volume: The current and projected traffic volume (Actual MoT numbers as shown) on Highway 1 underscores the critical need for a sustainable Interregional passenger transit solution. As South of Fraser Community Rail advocates, reactivating passenger rail presents a viable, necessary alternative, alleviating traffic congestion. Widening Highway 1 is necessary BUT it will not come close to solving our problem!

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Widening of Highway #1?

• 216th – 264th Phase 2 - Based on a recent MoT Press Release and actual construction times, the reality is a finish no earlier than 2028 – 3 years after original projection, 4 years from now!
• 264th – Mt. Lehman Road Phase 3A - Based on a recent MoT Press Release and actual construction times, a finish date is probable in 2031, 7 years from now!
• Mt. Lehman Road – Highway #11 (Sumas Way) Phase 3B - Based on the recent Premier Eby Press Conference funding of $2.5 Billion is secured. He states it is scheduled not to start until 2026 with a completion date of 2031 which, based on actual construction completed to-date and underway, it is an impossibility which we have been saying for a number of years. Anytime the Premier comes out in a pre-election press conference, making this kind of statement; You can bet it won’t complete until 2034 at the earliest! 10 years from now!
• Highway #11 (through Sumas Prairie) out to Chilliwack Phase 4 - A multi-agency discussion underway with First Nations, local, provincial and federal governments regarding a regional flood mitigation strategy to identify solutions for a sinking Highway 1 through Sumas Prairie.

Based on the above very serious road block and set back to the widening of Highway 1, the solution to that problem plus the repurposing and/or replacement overpass construction will cause - Decades of delays post 2034 - NO start or completion date given!

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Passenger Rail Public Transit is needed NOW!

We will have NO affordable, viable, convenient and environmentally safe Interregional Public Transit South of Fraser for the next two decades. The Interurban can be in place within 3 years!

Join Us in Our Advocacy Efforts and Spread the Word - We encourage all supporters to stay informed and spread the Word, engage with local leaders TALK TO YOUR MLA's. Share this newsletter with friends, family, and colleagues. Raise awareness about traffic challenges and benefits of reactivating the interurban. Reach out to local government representatives to express your support for the South Fraser Community Rail project. Thank you for your continued support.
 
Rick Green, President, South Fraser Community Rail Society
on behalf of our Team of Directors and Special Advisors
[email protected]
604-866-5752