SURREY, B.C. (April 21, 2005) — Lower Mainland politicians and bureaucrats placed trucking and transportation at the top of the agenda at the first South Fraser Economic Summit in Surrey last week.

The Chilliwack Progress reports that mayors and MLAs — including Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon — spelled out the need for improved transportation infrastructure in the region.

Falcon said the province is well on its way to enhancing road, highways, and bridges. He cited several work projects at the ports, Richmond’s RAV line, twinning of the Port Mann Bridge and widening of Hwy. 1, and four-laning Hwy. 10 and Hwy. 15.

Work on the South Fraser Perimeter Road is a high priority, Falcon said, but the project faces challenges of the final leg through Surrey and Delta.

Translink CEO Pat Jacobsen added that the building of the Golden Ears Bridge by 2008, the expansion of the West Coast Express and SkyTrain capacity and additional B-line buses south of the Fraser, will all affect traffic patterns, the newspaper reported.

B.C. Trucking Association President Paul Landry rounded out the panel. He advocated cooperation between all levels of government and the trucking industry to come up with a long-term transportation plan and funding for the area.

— from the Chilliwack Progress