City councillor ‘incorrect’
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Updated: October 30, 2009 1:59 PM
Editor:
I read with dismay comments by Richmond Coun. Harold Steves in an Oct. 23 article on the proposed Nelson Road project that suggest benefits will apply only to the port. This is simply incorrect.
The Nelson Road project will provide an estimated $9 million in benefits to the City of Richmond. This interchange project will remove approximately 3,100 container trucks daily from Westminster Highway and redirect them to Highway 91, reducing traffic congestion, creating more efficient movement of goods and people and increasing traffic safety. It will also eliminate conflicts between local, agricultural and industrial traffic.
The proposed Nelson Road project is an interchange at Nelson Road and Highway 91. Project partners, including the province, Canada, and Port Metro Vancouver, have made significant funding commitments. The province and other partners are now seeking a funding commitment from the City of Richmond. This project was originally put forward by the City of Richmond as a “shovel ready” infrastructure project under the communities component of the Federal Stimulus Fund.
The suggestion the province wants to build a new bridge over the South Arm of the Fraser at No. 8 Road is also incorrect. This was one option presented in a 1995 study, but it was not a preferred option and is not being pursued.
Shirley Bond
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
