The federal government and Victoria are partnering to provide $290 million worth of infrastructure projects across the province as part of its plan to stimulate the B.C. economy.
More than 20 communities throughout the province will see millions spent on more than 28 transportation and other infrastructure improvements over the next couple years.
Ottawa is setting aside $116.6 million from its new Infrastructure Stimulus Fund while the province will be contributing $137.7 million. Other funding partners will contribute the remaining $38.8 million.
At an estimated cost of $40 million, the biggest project will be the replacement of the old two-lane Capilano bridge linking West Vancouver and North Vancouver with a three-lane bridge. Transit queue jump lanes and other improvements will also be built on Marine Drive to give buses priority access to the Lions Gate Bridge.
The project is expected to create more than 500 jobs during construction, which is expected to begin late this year and be completed by March 2011.
Other projects in Greater Vancouver include:
$26.9 million for grade separation of Nelson Road in Richmond;
$10.6 million to build a new bus lane on Highway 99 from Steveston Highway to Westminster Highway; and
$10.7 million for new cycling and pedestrian overpass and bicycle paths in Surrey.
Other major projects across the province include:
a $24 million interchange in North Saanich on the Pat Bay Highway;
a $28 million four-lane bridge on Highway 97 in Prince George; and
a $15.6 million bridge in Kelowna.
All the projects combined are projected to create more than 1,800 jobs over the next couple years.