The Township of Langley has completed its first two projects using contributions from the federal gas tax fund.
Safety improvements have been made at the intersections of 56 Avenue and 248 Street, and 40 Avenue and 208 Street, thanks to the additional funding, which is part of $253 million that the Government of Canada has provided to local governments in B.C. for infrastructure projects.
“The Township of Langley is the fastest growing municipality in Metro Vancouver, and it is important that residents and those doing business here are able to move safely and efficiently throughout our community. In the past, 100 per cent of the federal gas tax went to TransLink for regional transportation improvements. I was happy to support the motion to allocate 5 per cent directly to municipalities to assist with funding of local projects, and we are now seeing the results,” said Township Mayor Jack Froese in a press release.
“We greatly appreciate the federal gas tax fund contributions which helped ease congestion and enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists at these intersections.”
At 56 Avenue and 248 Street, $678,307 in improvements were made to increase capacity and reduce traffic congestion and delays. The crossing was previously controlled by a four-way stop, and there was often significant vehicle back-up during peak hours.
Now, there is a traffic signal in place, along with left turn bays for eastbound and westbound traffic and raised sidewalk extensions on all four corners. Pedestrian push buttons and overhead lighting were also added to enhance safety for pedestrians, and a storm main upgrade was completed as well.
The Government of Canada contributed $169,806 to this project through the federal gas tax fund, and the Township of Langley contributed $508,501.
In the last three months, improvements have also been made at the intersection of 208 Street and 40 Avenue in Brookswood to improve capacity, reduce traffic congestion and delays and make it safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
The intersection was widened to accommodate the addition of dedicated left turn lanes on all four approaches, and bike lanes, pedestrian sidewalks and refuges were added at all four corners. The pedestrian traffic signal push buttons were replaced to provide sound output for visually impaired pedestrians and additional street lighting was included for the safety of local residents and students attending nearby Brookswood Secondary School.
This $789,376 project included a $379,961 contribution from the Government of Canada through the federal gas tax fund, and a further $57,000 came from an ICBC grant. The Township contributed $352,415.
“Recognizing that communities are best positioned to identify their infrastructure needs, the federal gas tax fund allows them to decide how to spend their federal dollars,” said Cloverdale-Langley City MP John Aldag on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support important projects like these intersection upgrades in Langley, which has improved circulation and safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.”