COQUITLAM, B.C. — The results of a comprehensive pre-design public consultation show respondents support tolling a twinned Port Mann Bridge and an increased number support tolling in conjunction with additional concessions.

“We are fully committed to a comprehensive community consultation program that ensures voices are heard and decisions are well informed throughout the Gateway design process,” said Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon.

Respondents were consulted on goals for interchange upgrades and draft options for congestion reduction measures such as HOV lanes, transit and commercial vehicle priority access to highway on/off-ramps and improvements to the cycling network. In addition, they were specifically asked if they supported a potential toll on the twinned Port Mann Bridge.

A little more than 56% of participants supported a proposed toll on the Port Mann Bridge. Support increased to 70% and higher for a toll combined with options that provide reduced tolls for HOV users, variable tolls for off-peak periods and toll-free overnight periods.

Tolling and other traffic demand measures are being considered in various combinations to reduce congestion and limit growth in traffic on the Port Mann Bridge.

“The consequence of not making these improvements include increasing congestion, more pollution from idling vehicles, increased cost to the economy, delayed goods movement and unreliable transit connections through the region,” said Falcon. “People who travel the Highway 1 corridor told us the project is long overdue and that’s why doing nothing is not an option.”

More than 3,400 individuals participated in the pre-design community consultation program. Public consultation takes place at each of the three key design stages pre-design, preliminary design and detailed design.

The Port Mann /Highway 1 public consultation summary report and further information on the Gateway Program is available online at www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca.