A bridge widening, traffic roundabout and dedicated bike lanes are in the works for the City of Langley.
The announcement came on Friday morning as MP Mark Warawa and MLA Mary Polak joined Mayor Ted Schaffer, City council members and staff at the 203 Street Nicomekl Bridge, where the work will be completed.
The City is receiving funding for the upgrades through the Small Communities Fund with the federal and provincial governments providing $1.4 million apiece.
Langley City will be responsible for the remaining portion of the $4.3 million project.
The project will see a roundabout constructed at the intersection of 203 Street and 53 Avenue The bridge will be widened by approximately 1.65 metres on each side and new bridge supports installed within the Nicomekl River floodplain.
Directional bike lanes and a multi-use path will also be added on both sides of 203 Street.
The upgrades will improve traffic flow and make it safer for commuters, pedestrians and cyclists, said Warawa, who represented Denis Lebel, the minister of infrastructure, communities and intergovernmental affairs at the announcement.
Polak said the improvements will make the area safer and more user-friendly. She added that projects like this would not be possible if not for the prudent work of all levels of government.
"If it wasn't for governments watching the pennies, we wouldn't be seeing these kinds of investments," Polak said.
Before the project breaks ground, the City will consult with local residents and key stakeholders, including the cycling community, "to make sure the local concerns are addressed and the design represents the specific needs of the 203 Street corridor," said Schaffer.
Consultation is expected to happen in September or October, with work on the project scheduled to begin in early 2016.