B.C. Liberals pledge $2.5B for highway improvements, for new bike lanes
Transportation Minister Todd Stone endorses 'Yes' vote in transit referendum
The B.C. government has committed $2.5 billion to resurface provincial highways and another $18 million to build new bike lanes and trails over the next three years.
Transport Minister Todd Stone outlined the plan on Tuesday, and strongly endorsed a 'Yes' vote in the upcoming transit referendum.
Stone also stressed the province is committed to funding a third of major rapid transit projects and the Pattullo Bridge, but said Metro Vancouver also had to pull together its own share.
"This plebiscite is about how the region is going to cover its third," he said.
The ministry says nearly 13,000 responses from a public survey suggested B.C. residents want highways, roads, bridges and side roads kept in good condition.
The government says the plan will also involve the trucking industry in improving the safety, efficiency and economics of the sector.
Other improvements include upgrading rest areas to make them more accessible for people with limited mobility and creating bike lanes and trails through cost-sharing agreements with local communities.
With files from Jeff Harrington and The Canadian Press