Lougheed Highway four-laning project in Maple Ridge, B.C. gets $29M from feds

MAPLE RIDGE, B.C.—The federal government has set aside infrastructure funds to widen a four-kilometre stretch of highway on the north side of the Fraser River in Greater Vancouver.

Ottawa announced $29.2 million for the project between Maple Ridge and Mission, B.C. July 19. The British Columbia government, meanwhile, has begun the consultation and technical analysis process needed to assign the project provincial funds.

The road work will widen four kilometres of Highway 7 — also known as the Lougheed Highway — between 266th and 287th streets. The project will expand the road from two lanes to four, add a median, upgrade several traffic signals and install two truck turnarounds.

With a high number of accidents along the route, the widening project is expected to improve safety, as well as reduce congestion.