THE City of Abbotsford, in partnership with the Province and BC Transit, on Monday announced the construction of a new $8.1 million transit exchange in the Highstreet area of Mt. Lehman Road. The project is funded in part thanks to a $3.2 million investment by the Province of BC through BC Transit.
Located on Highstreet Access Road near the Highstreet Shopping Centre, between Mt. Lehman Road and Cardinal Avenue, the new transit exchange will improve connections for growing neighborhoods in the Mt. Lehman area and throughout Abbotsford and will provide residents with improved access to public transportation.
The new exchange will feature five new bus bays which will serve both local and regional routes, including the Fraser Valley Express, new transit shelters with bench seating, enhanced street lighting, bike racks, and a new multi-use pathway from Cardinal Ave. to Mt. Lehman Ave. along the north side of the road. The project also includes new public plaza spaces with additional trees and bench seating, and a new washroom building for transit operators.
The contract for this project was awarded to B&B Contracting, with construction scheduled to begin later this month and be completed by the end of the summer 2026. During construction, residents can expect some traffic impacts and delays; however, two-way traffic on Highstreet Access Road will be maintained, and accessible pedestrian detours will be in place. Highstreet transit services will operate from a temporary transit exchange on Cardinal Avenue during construction and transit users should check for BC Transit customer alerts which will advise of any changes or delays to routes.
This new infrastructure will support the City’s growth in the transit network, accommodate increased service levels and improve customer experience for riders.
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit, said: “Investing in public transit infrastructure is essential to building strong, connected communities. The new Highstreet Transit Exchange will make it easier for people in Abbotsford and across the Fraser Valley to access reliable, convenient transportation options. This project reflects our commitment to improving transit services and supporting the region’s growing needs.”
Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens said: “As the City of Abbotsford continues to grow as the cultural and economic Hub of the Fraser Valley, so does the need for safe, reliable and convenient connections throughout our city. The new Highstreet Transit Exchange will improve service and comfort for riders and make it easier for residents to move around our city and the region. We are grateful to the Province of BC for their investment and partnership as we strengthen our transit network and enhance community connections.”
Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO, BC Transit, said: “Upgrading the Highstreet Transit Exchange will enable increased service to an area that’s expanding both commercially and residentially and will allow for future transit service expansion in Abbotsford and the surrounding region,” said BC Transit CEO Erinn Pinkerton. “We are rehabilitating existing transit exchanges and installing new ones across B.C. to create convenient and comfortable spaces for people to catch their bus and improve the overall experience for our customers.”
