Highway 99 closure, lane reductions planned for Steveston Interchange construction

Planned work on the Highway 99 Steveston Interchange means some overnight closures and lane disruptions will take place this week.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says the highway will be fully closed at the interchange overnight starting at 11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, until 4:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8.

During the closure traffic will be rerouted using existing on- and off-ramps.

Additionally, the highway will be “reduced to a minimum of one lane” in each direction starting Thursday, Aug. 8 at 10 p.m., until Sunday, Aug. 11, at 5 a.m. During this time, the ministry says the eastbound to northbound loop ramp will be closed, with traffic diverted to access the north ramp.

The full closure is necessary to allow workers to move heavy machinery across Highway 99 as part of the Steveston Interchange Project, officials say. The lane reductions, meanwhile, are needed to allow crews to begin building the bridge deck as part of the first phase of the project.

The ministry warns that while detours will be in place using the on- and off-ramps, “short-term traffic stoppages” may happen to allow work to take place. It notes workers will maintain access to emergency vehicles, residents, and businesses throughout the disruptions.

The Steveston Interchange Project is part of the Highway 99 Tunnel Program, which is aimed at improving travel along that corridor, the province explains.

The interchange is set to be expanded to five lanes, and is expected to open in 2025.

“The modernized interchange will provide more vehicle lanes, improve transit operations, and include sidewalks and cycling lanes in both directions for the first time,” the province says.

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