VICTORIA, B.C. — The pre-design public consultations for the Port Mann Bridge Highway 1 project have been completed and all public input is being compiled into a report, with an expected June release.

“Public consultations are a critical part of all major projects,” said Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. “The public input we have received will be considered along with technical and financial inputs as the Gateway Program moves ahead with the next stages of this project.”

Nearly 4,000 residents of the Lower Mainland attended a combination of open houses and focus groups during a 10-week span in the spring. For the past two years, Gateway Program staff have also held more than 40 meetings with staff at the Greater Vancouver Regional District and more than 100 meetings with GVRD municipalities, which will continue throughout the process.

The report will detail the feedback received and will assist in refining the project as it moves into the preliminary design and environmental assessment stages. The public will have further opportunity to provide input during the consultation process of these stages of the project.

“Congestion is a major factor along this corridor and the status quo is not an option,” said Falcon. “The completion of this phase of the project means needed congestion solutions are getting closer.”

There are three major projects which make up the Gateway Program: the North Fraser Perimeter Road project, the South Fraser Perimeter Road project and the Port Mann Bridge/Highway 1 project.

Additional information about the Gateway Program can be found at www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca.