Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project

Outcome
Construction on the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project (PMH1) began in 2008, and includes a new Port Mann Bridge and upgrades to 37 kilometres of Highway 1 on either side of the bridge. The new bridge will replace the existing bridge, which was completed in 1964, and will provide much needed capacity to meet current and future traffic demand, including a new RapidBus service that will allow commuters to travel from Langley to Coquitlam or Burnaby. In addition to RapidBus service, the new bridge will be built to accommodate potential light rapid transit at a future date, and it will expand networks for cyclists and pedestrians. The project also includes widening Highway 1, upgrading interchanges, and improving access and safety from McGill Street in Vancouver to 216th Street in Langley.

Background
Kirk & Co. developed a strategic public consultation program to seek informed input by providing opportunities for input through discussions with the public, interest groups and other stakeholders at specific stages of the project. Consultation for PMH1 took place in various settings, including one-on-one and in small-group meetings, open houses and standing committees.

Planning for the improvements to the Highway 1 corridor between Vancouver and Langley have been part of the provincial, regional and local plans since the 1990s. Multiple studies have been conducted, all indicating the need to provide significant road improvements to accommodate 2021 traffic levels. The PMH1 project was a key element of the 1996 Livable Region Strategic Plan for planned transportation improvements.

Kirk & Co. designed and implemented extensive public, stakeholder and municipal consultation with more than 4,500 participants in hundreds of meetings.

Public Materials
Kirk & Co. developed public materials such as consultation discussion guides, feedback forms, display boards, public notice advertising and community updates, as well as web materials such as online feedback forms. Kirk & Co. also coordinated artists’ renderings and computer simulations of the new bridge.

Key Milestones
Key milestones include:

• January 2006 announcement that the PMH1 project was proceeding
• Production of Project Definition Report to define the scope and nature of the project
• Comprehensive consultation programs
• Construction and traffic management communications

Website
Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project