Newton-area motorists will have to drive around work crews on 132 Street for the rest of the year as the city's road-widening project gets going.
Ground has been broken on the first phase of work to four-lane the increasingly congested corridor, build new left-turn lanes and create a multi-use path for walking and cycling, from 72 Avenue to 74th.
In January, Surrey city council approved $17.3 million in road-work contracts with goals of addressing "the growing demands of Surrey’s transportation network and improve overall road safety for drivers and pedestrians alike." More than half of the budgeted amount ($9.2 million) is for the "crucial" first phase of 132 Street widening, from two lanes to four.
Construction should be completed late this year, promises a post on the city's website (surrey.ca).
Phase 2 work will include road-widening from 76 and 80 avenues this fall, followed by road-widening between 80 and 84 avenues in 2026. Aging sanitary sewers and watermains along 132 Street will be replaced, bus stops upgraded.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke says the widening of 132 Street, along with all that paving, will reduce congestion, improve road safety and support growth in Newton.
“With Surrey’s population projected to reach one million people as early as in the next 20 years, continued investment in transportation is essential to support the increasing demand for efficient and reliable travel options," the mayor said in a news release.
"Council has prioritized high growth neighbourhoods such as Newton for road expansion in order to ease congestion and reduce commute times for our citizens.”
