DELTA, B.C. — B.C.’s South Fraser Perimeter Road was opened to traffic over the weekend.

The new four-lane highway will provide greater access to Vancouver ports and will alleviate congestion in the region.

“The completion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road is good news for the Metro Vancouver region. It means a better road network and more capacity to transport goods to and from fast-growing markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” said MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay. “This project demonstrates that when we work together with our partners through the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, we can develop projects that facilitate international trade and create jobs and economic growth in local communities across Canada.”

The new highway connects all five major Fraser River crossings to improve transit times. For instance, travel time between Hwy. 1 and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal is now less than 30 minutes, or half what it would take using Hwy. 10, the province claims.

“The SFPR is a key part of our commitment to expanding our markets and improving the safe and efficient movement of goods and people,” said B.C. Transport Minister, Todd Stone. “This new route is a game-changer for industry, commuters and tourists – it will cut commute times for families and make B.C. more competitive by connecting key port and rail facilities with access to borders, the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and the B.C. Interior.”

The new route will provide about 7,000 long-term jobs along the corridor, the province claims. It will also separate commercial traffic from residential areas.

“The SFPR will allow goods to move more freely around the region by truck,” said Trace Acres, vice-president, B.C. Trucking Association. “In addition to increasing the efficiency of the Gateway, it will help lower emissions by limiting the number of stops trucks have to make travelling between ports, ferries, businesses and borders.”