SURREY City Council on Monday approved the extension of 72 Avenue between 152 Street and Highway 15. With an estimated construction cost of $138M, this project marks the largest transportation investment delivered by the City to date.
The 72 Avenue improvements will see the construction of a four-lane road with two travel lanes in each direction, improved agricultural ditches, and a 1.5m wide shoulder to accommodate farm vehicles and cyclists. This scenario, based on traffic modelling, ensures adequate traffic capacity well into the future while addressing the needs of both transportation users and the farming community.
“The approval of the 72 Avenue extension is the largest municipal transportation investment in the City’s history,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “This Council recognizes the importance of investing in road upgrades and we have dedicated $300M to upgrading our transportation network over the next four years. As our population continues to increase, ensuring efficient and reliable travel options will not only support current residents but also accommodate the needs of the projected one million people who are expected to live in Surrey by 2042. Upgrading the road network will boost connectivity, alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and enhance the overall quality of life for all residents.”
The 72 Avenue extension is a crucial infrastructure project that will serve 37,000 vehicles per day and alleviate congestion on other east-west routes such as 64 Avenue and Highway 10. By 2050, the corridor is forecasted to experience a significant increase in traffic, making the extension essential for maintaining efficient transportation flow in the City.
The 72 Avenue corridor is expected to have regional significance, providing a continuous connection between Highway 91 and Highway 15 and offering a desirable route into Langley and Maple Ridge. Given its importance for the movement of people and goods throughout the region, the City will be seeking designation to the TransLink Major Road Network for the 72 Avenue corridor.
Read more about the 72 Avenue extension here.
Learn more about the City’s Capital Construction Program at surrey.ca/construction.