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Port Mann project hits half-way mark
Port Mann project hits half-way mark
Expected to take 40 years to pay off
Denise Wong Aug 27, 2011 13:43:48 PM
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SURREY (NEWS1130) - It's one of the most congested routes on the Lower Mainland and work on the Port Mann Bridge is now half-way done.
The newly expanded bridge that will connect Coquitlam and Surrey is on time and on budget, that's according to Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom.
He's reminding commuters the $3 toll will begin once the bridge opens. He also stresses that amount includes tax.
"The intent is once the bridge is paid for, once the capital costs have been recouped that those tolls would be looked at being removed. But that is a number of years down the road obviously."
He expects it to take 40 years to pay off. While some commuters frown at the idea of tolls, Lekstrom believes people are okay with this one.
"I think with most people that I speak to... where there's a need and the capital is not available with any other option, they say 'I'm willing to step forward if it means I can spend some more time at home, stay off the roads, and do my part.'"
"Tolling that we see with this bridge... I wouldn't say it's a welcome addition [but] it's an accepted position," he adds.
Premier Christy Clark says the new bridge will change the lives of every driver. "Once complete, commuters will save an hour a day in travel time. That's one more hour a day that people can spend with their families instead of stuck in traffic."
The new bridge will open with lanes in the winter of 2012-13. When the full 10 lanes are completed, the span will be the widest in North America. |
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發表於 2011-8-27 19:17
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