SURREY, B.C. — A joint provincial and federal government venture recently produced a new on ramp and off ramp along Hwy.1 in Surrey, B.C., providing a new route for commercial traffic to access Port Kells.

The $2.9-million project was funded in part by the federal government with a contribution of $1 million, while the B.C. provincial government picked up the rest of the tab.

“Canada’s new government’s contribution to this important project will benefit the people and businesses of Surrey,” said Lawrence Cannon, federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “The cooperation of the federal and provincial governments will make this community more pleasant for everyone.”

The improvements include an off ramp from Hwy. 1 eastbound and an on ramp onto Hwy. 1 westbound. About 10,000 vehicles travel through local neighbourhoods along Barnston Drive each day; much of it is industrial traffic shipping goods to and from Port Kells. The new ramps divert traffic directly into town via 192 Street.

“These ramps will take pressure off the congested 176 Street interchange and give industrial traffic a more direct connection into Port Kells,” said B.C. Transport Minister Kevin Falcon. “They will also improve safety for area residents by redirecting that traffic away from the residential areas along Barnston Drive.”