Township of Langley Intersections Improved with Federal Gas Tax Fund Contributions

Traffic congestion has been eased and safety enhanced at two Township of Langley intersections, thanks to improvement projects undertaken with contributions from the federal Gas Tax Fund. They are the first projects utilizing the Gas Tax Fund to be completed in the Township.
In March 2017, improvements were made to increase capacity and reduce traffic congestion and delays at the intersection of 56 Avenue and 248 Street. The crossing was previously controlled by a four-way stop and experienced significant vehicle back-up during peak hours. The intersection improvement project included the installation of a traffic signal, left turn bays for eastbound and westbound traffic, and raised sidewalk extensions on all four corners. The addition of pedestrian push buttons and overhead lighting has enhanced safety for pedestrians, and a storm main upgrade was included in the project. The improvements were completed in June.
The Government of Canada contributed $169,806 to the $678,307 project through the federal Gas Tax Fund, and the Township of Langley contributed $508,501.
In September 2017, improvements were undertaken at the intersection of 208 Street and 40 Avenue in Brookswood to improve capacity, reduce traffic congestion and delays, and make it safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The intersection was widened to accommodate the addition of dedicated left turn lanes on all four approaches, and bike lanes, pedestrian sidewalks, and refuges were added at all four corners. The pedestrian traffic signal push buttons were replaced to provide sound output for visually impaired pedestrians and additional street lighting was included for the safety of local residents and students attending the nearby school.
The $789,376 project was substantially completed in November. The Government of Canada contributed $379,961 to the project through the federal Gas Tax Fund. A further $57,000 came from an ICBC Grant, while the Township of Langley contributed $352,415.
Each year, the Government of Canada provides over $253 million in indexed funding for local government infrastructure projects across British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The funding can be spent on any eligible project the community prioritizes across a broad range of eligible project categories, or it can be pooled with other communities for regional projects, banked for later priorities or used to pay for financed projects.
The Union of BC Municipalities administers the federal Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
Quotes
“Recognizing that communities are best positioned to identify their infrastructure needs, the federal Gas Tax Fund allows them to decide how to spend their federal dollars. The Government of Canada is proud to support important projects like these intersection upgrades in Langley, which has improved circulation and safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.”
Cloverdale-Langley City MP John Aldag on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi
“Whether you’re picking your kids up from school, commuting to a business meeting or simply crossing a street, people should be able to access a safe, efficient route through their community. Increasing safety and reducing congestion on British Columbia’s roads is a priority for our government and with support from the federal Gas Tax Fund and ICBC, the Township of Langley is able to make these important improvements in their community.”
The Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“The federal Gas Tax Fund is supporting the efforts of communities across the province to renew roadways and support multiple travel modes. I am pleased to see the Township of Langley directly benefiting from this valued infrastructure program.”
Director Wendy Booth, Union of B.C. Municipalities President
“The Township of Langley is the fastest growing municipality in Metro Vancouver, and it is important that residents and those doing business here are able to move safely and efficiently throughout our community. In the past, 100% of the federal Gas Tax went to TransLink for regional transportation improvements. I was happy to support the motion to allocate 5% directly to municipalities to assist with funding of local projects, and we are now seeing the results. We greatly appreciate the federal Gas Tax Fund contributions which helped ease congestion and enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at these intersections.”
Jack Froese, Mayor of the Township of Langley
Associated links
The Federal Gas Tax Fund
Government of Canada Investments in British Columbia
Contacts
Erin Brocklehurst
Corporate Media Liaison
Township of Langley
604-533-6122
ebrocklehurst@tol.ca
Paul Taylor
Director of Communications
UBCM
250-356-2938