DELTA, B.C. — The South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR), a major infrastructure project in British Columbia — that will reduce commute times by an hour a day, according to the federal government — is nearly 80 percent completed.

“The new road will make a significant difference in the Metro Vancouver region through improved efficiency, reliability and capacity of the Lower Mainland road network, and like other Asia-Pacific Gateway projects, it will help increase Canada’s exports to fast-growing markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” said Nina Grewal, member of parliament for Fleetwood – Port Kells.

The 40 km, four-lane highway runs along the south side of the Fraser River. The eastern portion in Surrey opened in December 2012 and the rest of the roadway is still on track to open in December 2013.

“This new route will help expand our markets and make B.C. more competitive by connecting key port, rail and highway infrastructure,” said Todd Stone, British Columbia transportation and infrastructure minister. “It will also make communities and neighbourhoods safer for families by removing heavy truck traffic from residential roads.”

According to the government, the SFPR will cut commute times for families travelling round-trip from Delta, B.C. to Highway 1 in Langley, B.C. by an hour a day.

The project has already created 4,000 jobs during the construction phase and is expected to improve economic and business opportunities in the area, as well as leading to 7,000 new jobs in Delta and Surrey.