South Fraser Perimeter Road
 | This article reads like a press release or a news article and may be largely based on routine coverage. (May 2008) |
The South Fraser Perimeter Road is $1.0 billion[1] highway project for Metro Vancouver and is part of the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation's Gateway Program and is currently under construction.
Project Scope
A new four lane, 80 km/h (50 mph) expressway along the south side of the Fraser River extends from Highway 17 in southwest Delta to 176th street in Surrey, with connections to Highway 1, 91, 99 and to TransLink's new Golden Ears Bridge connector[2].
The SFPR is expected to be completed by 2012.
Burns Bog Concerns
The SFPR alignment does not go through the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area[3]. However, there is concern that it would effect surrounding hydrology and have an adverse affect on the Conservancy Area[4].
The SFPR Project has said it will be working with the Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel to develop systems that will improve the existing drainage / hydrology of the bog.
The Burns Bog Conservation Society has expressed concerns that the South Fraser Perimeter Road will endanger Burns Bog[5]. In response to the mitigation measures proposed the Environmental Stewardship Branch of Environment Canada wrote that "...that the changes are not sufficient to alleviate its concerns related to the impacts of the Project on Pacific Water Shrew (PWS), hydrology, aerial deposition, and ecological integrity of Burns Bog.".[6]
Burns Bog has been listed as threatened by the International Mire Conservation Group because of the impacts of the SFPR.[7]
Air Quality
One of the main objectives of the Gateway Program is to reduce congestion-related idling. By freeing up the traffic movement south of the Fraser River, the Province's environmental assessment projects that SFPR will reduce congestion related pollution but increase overall pollution. The SFPR will also be removing trucks from local roads where they contribute to noise, accidents and pollution. Expanded transit services and cycling improvements will largely offset emissions.
SFPR Exits
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References
- ^ name = "Ministry Report" >"Gateway Program Definition Report" (PDF). Ministry of Transportation of British Columbia. January 31, 2005. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ gatewayprogram.bc.ca
- ^ http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/gateway/SFPR/docs/ea/Burns_Bog_FINAL_Oct_06.pdf
- ^ Burns Bog Conservation Society » Resources » Sustainable Development Strategy
- ^ "Submission to Environmental Assessment Office". Burns Bog Conservation Society.
- ^ http://www.burnsbog.org/PDF/EnvCanadaLetterNov2007.pdf
- ^ http://www.imcg.net/THREAT/06.htm