Paving in the Trans Canada Highway median might slow down traffic during the construction of the new 216th Street interchange this fall.
A B.C. Ministry of Transportation update noted that sections of new highway lanes and detour lanes are being built over the next few months.
As part of the project, there will be one extra lane east and westbound added on the highway, as well as a realignment of the westbound lanes near 216th Street.
Crews have already largely finished bridge piling for the central pier of the new overpass, and installing a “reflective sound wall” on 216th Street between the interchange and 88th Avenue in Walnut Grove.
Design and fabrication of a linked “absorptive sound wall” will take place this fall.
Also taking place this fall will be work on bridge pilings on the north side of the new overpass.
The 216th Interchange project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2019. It is aimed at adding another connection between Walnut Grove and fast-growing Willoughby to the south, as well as another entry and exit point to the highway to reduce congestion at the 200th Street interchange.
The $59 million project was opposed by many residents near 216th Street in Walnut Grove, who complained that the increase in traffic will bring noise, pollution, and danger to pedestrians and students at nearby elementary schools.