Letter to Kevin Falcon regarding Twinning of the Port Mann bridge and the widening of highway 1

Right Honourable Kevin Falcon, Minister of Transportation
108-17700 No. 10 Highway
Surrey, BC
V3S 1C7

Cc: Gregory Robertson, MLA Vancouver-Fairview

Re: Twinning of the Port Mann bridge and the widening of highway 1.

Dear Mr Falcon,

It has come to my attention that you plan to twin the Port Mann bridge and widen highway 1, with the intent of relieving traffic congestion over said bridge. We agree that something must be done, however I believe your plan will fail. Many cities in North America have taken a similar action in response to a similar problem; all of them have found highway expansion to be ultimately ineffective at controlling congestion. On what basis are you undertaking this action?

Have you considered spending money on new buses and transit infrastructure, such as commercial and transit-only lanes? With a stronger transit network, real estate development can occur at an increased rate within the town centres located across our region. Investment in public transit should occur well before any investment in new bridges.

I am concerned that you are helping to bring our cities towards more traffic congestion, greater risk of accidental death, and more pollution. If you can provide evidence that your proposed bridge and highway expansion will reduce traffic congestion over a 20-year period, then I will support your action.

Please, reconsider your plans to twin the Port Mann bridge and expand highway 1.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Damm