The work to widen a four-kilometre stretch of the Lougheed Highway between Maple Ridge and Mission is taking a year longer than scheduled, and will cost about $25 million more than budgeted.
Construction is underway to widen Highway 7 between 266th and 287th Streets in Maple Ridge from two to four lanes, to relieve congestion on the highway, and improve safety.
The project was budgeted for $106.4 million, with $29.2 million from the federal government, and $77.2 million from the province.
Work started in February 2023, and had been scheduled for completion in the fall of this year – about now.
The cost has ballooned to $130.19 million, and the date for completion has been extended to the fall of 2025, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit
The federal share of the budget remains $29.2 million, with the province's share rising to $101 million, according to the provincial government's 2024 first quarterly report. The report notes that inflation, ongoing supply chain issues, interest rates and other factors are impacting government capital spending.
The construction includes a centre median barrier installation from west of Spilsbury Street to 287th Street. The highway shoulders will also be widened to provide safer options for cyclists and pedestrians. In addition to these improvements, two vehicle turn-arounds will be strategically located to ensure safe and efficient access to properties along the road.
One turn-around will be located at River Road between 163rd and 266th Street and the second at 287th Street north of the highway. Three intersections at 272nd Street, 280th Street, and 287th Street will also be upgraded and signalized.
