Dear Editor,
I would like to say how inspiring to hear a person cite the realities of everyday people who live in Langley, especially those from south of the freeway who commute on Highway One [Interchange at 216th a welcome, Sept. 29 Letters, Advance].
The interchange at 216th Street will surely provide better access and a quicker commute for the majority of Langley residents (who live south of the highway).
Most of the population in the Township and the City live to the south of the highway, and most people need to access Highway One.
The TOL is making accommodations in this project for Walnut Grove residents, with providing better sidewalks on both sides of 216th Street, better marked pedestrian crosswalks, and proper bike lanes for cyclists over the interchange.
There will also be improvements in upgrading the culverts carrying spawning salmon, which will improve the fish habitat in the surrounding streams.
Most trucks will still rely on 200th Street for their access into the industrial area of Langley.
The trucks (much smaller) that will use 216th Street north will be delivering items like furniture and grocery stock for Walnut Grove residents.
No one embraces change in their own backyards, but the 216th Street interchange is a reality that has been in the process for the past 30 years.
Metro Vancouver and the Langleys have grown in 30 years, and the need for better transportation routes are imperative.
I, personally have endured change, growth, and much more traffic on my quiet street when the 208th Street overpass opened some 15 years ago.
But it was necessary for the back and forth into Walnut Grove from all parts of Langley.
What would we do if we didn’t have the 208th Street overpass now?
Just imagine!
Instead of running from change, let’s embrace it and make it work favourably for us in providing better access to and from all parts of Langley.
IG Lambert, Langley