Chilliwack is undergoing a series of significant roadway and infrastructure improvements, aimed at enhancing the driving experience and overall safety for residents.

Here’s a roundup of the major projects underway in Chilliwack, British Columbia!

 

Active Transportation Design Project

The Active Transportation Design Project in Chilliwack aims to enhance infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. Key elements include improving cycling facilities, road safety, traffic signals, street lighting, and street parking. Specific areas targeted for upgrades are Luckakuck Way, Knight Road, and the Downtown Cycling Network. Completed work includes public engagement, design drawings, and traffic studies. Future work focuses on detailed designs and upgrades at the Southern Railway crossing. For updates, consider signing up for the city's e-newsletter.

For more details, you can visit the Active Transportation Design Project page.

 

Bridge Inspection Program

The Bridge Inspection Program in Chilliwack ensures the safety and longevity of the city's 23 bridges through regular inspections conducted by qualified engineers. The current inspections are performed by ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd., with substantial completion expected in July 2024. The scope includes field inspections with traffic control, an executive summary, a quality assurance plan, updated bridge valuations, load capacities, and a maintenance summary with estimates and prioritization.

For more details, you can visit the Bridge Inspection Program page.

 

Chilliwack River Road - Active Transportation Infrastructure

The Chilliwack River Road Active Transportation Infrastructure project involves significant upgrades to improve safety and accessibility for non-motorized users. Key elements include a fully paved multi-use pathway, new crosswalks with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon systems, concrete curb and gutter installations, storm water drainage systems, street lighting, and re-established road markings. This project, initiated in 2016 in collaboration with the Tzeachten First Nation, aims to link key community areas and enhance connectivity.

For more details, you can visit the Chilliwack River Road Active Transportation Infrastructure page.

 

Crosswalk Improvements - Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB)

The Crosswalk Improvements program in Chilliwack includes the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at key intersections to enhance pedestrian visibility and safety. In 2024, RRFBs were installed at seven intersections, funded by the city and partners like Fraser Health and ICBC. These beacons are designed to improve driver compliance and reduce accidents. Future installations are planned for additional intersections as part of ongoing safety enhancements.

For more details, you can visit the Crosswalk Improvements page.

(Credit: chilliwack.com)

 

Culvert Projects

The Culvert Projects in Chilliwack aim to improve drainage and reduce flood risks by upgrading and replacing culverts. In 2024, significant projects include the Parr Road Culvert removal, enhancing streamflow and habitat, and the Bell Slough Culvert installation at McSween Road to improve water quality. Previous projects in 2023 included replacements on Bailey Road, Ford Road, and Sinclair Road.

For more details, you can visit the Culvert Projects page.

 

Downtown Breezeway and Yale Road Crosswalk

The Downtown Breezeway and Yale Road Crosswalk project in Chilliwack aims to enhance pedestrian safety and create a more pleasant environment. Construction started in May and is expected to finish by the end of summer. The project includes features like stamped concrete, street trees, ornamental lighting, bike storage, benches, chess tables, and more. The crosswalk will be relocated to improve connectivity and will include RRFBs for increased safety.

For more details, you can visit the Downtown Breezeway and Yale Road Crosswalk page.

 

Edwards Street Sidewalk

The Edwards Street Sidewalk project in Chilliwack will construct a new 190-meter sidewalk on the east side of Edwards Street, from Hodgins Avenue to Spadina Avenue. The project also includes curb repairs and boulevard restoration. Construction is set to start in the spring and be completed by summer, aiming to improve pedestrian access and safety.

For more details, you can visit the Edward Street Sidewalk page.

 

Knight Road and Mary Street Cycling Improvements

The Knight Road and Mary Street Cycling Improvements project in Chilliwack aims to create safer and more convenient cycling routes. For Knight Road, the project includes asphalt resurfacing, storm drainage, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bulges, and RRFB relocation. On Mary Street, angled parking is adjusted to parallel, creating on-street bike lanes, alongside pedestrian bulges, storm drainage, and asphalt resurfacing. Construction is scheduled from May to October 2024.

For more details, you can visit the Knight Road and Mary Street Cycling Improvements page.

 

LED Streetlight Conversion Program

The LED Streetlight Conversion Program in Chilliwack is upgrading city-owned ornamental street lights to LED technology. This project includes two phases: Phase 1, completed on the north side of the highway, and Phase 2, underway on the south side. The conversion improves visibility, safety, and energy efficiency, with benefits such as 50% savings on hydro costs, reduced maintenance, and even light distribution. The lights have an expected lifespan of 20 years.

For more details, you can visit the LED Streetlight Conversion Program page.

(Credit: chilliwack.com)

 

Paving Program

The Paving Program in Chilliwack is dedicated to maintaining and improving road surfaces for smoother and safer driving conditions. Each year, the city tenders asphalt rehabilitation work based on a condition survey updated every five years. The program includes minor drainage, curb, and gutter improvements adjacent to rehabilitation projects. Current and future paving projects cover various roads, ensuring coordination with other departments to avoid unnecessary utility cuts and increase cost efficiencies.

For more details, you can visit the Paving Program page.

 

Railways in Chilliwack

Efforts to maintain and improve railway infrastructure in Chilliwack ensure the safe and efficient operation of train services. This includes upgrades to meet Railway Grade Crossing Standards, installation of new crossing signals, and surface crossing repairs. Recent projects include signal installations on Yarrow Central Road and Vedder Road, and resurfacing crossings on Knight Road, Yale Road, and Annis Road. Maintenance and repairs are ongoing to comply with federal safety regulations by 2028.

For more details, you can visit the Railways in Chilliwack page.

 

Roadway Markings Program

The Roadway Markings Program in Chilliwack focuses on updating and maintaining road markings for improved traffic flow and safety. Each year, city staff assess the conditions of 300 km of road markings and coordinate with the contractor, Infinite Road Marking Ltd., to complete necessary work. The program includes two types of markings: paint for most lines and thermoplastic for stop bars, crosswalks, and roundabouts. Thermoplastic is thicker, more durable, and more visible.

For more details, you can visit the Roadway Markings Program page.

 

Traffic Signals

The Traffic Signals program in Chilliwack involves upgrading and maintaining traffic signals to enhance traffic management and safety. Routine maintenance includes replacing traffic controller cabinets and poles. Recent upgrades include converting pedestrian signals to full traffic signals with GPS emergency vehicle preemption, and installing RRFBs at key intersections. These improvements aim to ensure up-to-date functionality and safer travel for all road users.

For more details, you can visit the Traffic Signals page.

 

Tyson - Keith Wilson Design-Build Project

The Tyson - Keith Wilson Design-Build Project in Chilliwack aims to improve traffic flow and safety on Tyson Road and Keith Wilson Road. Key elements include curb installations, multi-use pathways, road widening, drainage work, paving, street lighting, and street trees. The project, funded by $1,000,000 in grants from the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant, is expected to be completed by March 31, 2025.

For more details, you can visit the Tyson - Keith Wilson Design-Build Project page.

 

Vedder & South Sumas Intersection

The Vedder & South Sumas Intersection project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The project includes road widening, signal upgrades for designated northbound and southbound left turn lanes, improvements to street lighting, drainage, sidewalks, storm sewer systems, and traffic signals. The project has reached substantial completion, with remaining minor works including bus bench reinstallation and backup vehicle detection loop installations.

For more details, you can visit the Vedder & South Sumas Intersection page.

(Credit: chilliwack.com)

 

Victoria Avenue Parking Lot

The new Victoria Avenue Parking Lot in Chilliwack provides additional parking spaces to support downtown businesses and visitors. The project involves converting Victoria Avenue to a one-way road, adding 41 parking stalls (including four with electric vehicle chargers) in Phase 1. Phase 2, scheduled for completion by summer 2024, will add 17 more stalls. Completed works include streetlight installation, paving, and site clearing.

For more details, you can visit the Victoria Avenue Parking Lot page.

 

Yale Road Multi-Use Pathway

The Yale Road Multi-Use Pathway project in Chilliwack involves constructing a 170-meter pathway on the west side of Yale Road, finishing a key pedestrian connection between Sardis and Chilliwack Proper. The pathway will be protected by a boulevard, increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Additional features include concrete curbs, street trees, relocated streetlights, signage, and road markings. Marex Constructors will begin the work in July, with completion expected in early fall.

For more details, you can visit the Yale Road Multi-Use Pathway page.

 

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Get Ready to Hit the Road!

These projects are transforming Chilliwack’s roadways, making driving and traveling safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just starting, these improvements will make your journeys smoother and more efficient. If you’re excited about these enhancements and want to become a confident driver on Chilliwack’s newly improved roads, consider enrolling in our Chilliwack driving lessons! We offer comprehensive instruction to help you navigate these changes with ease and confidence.

Stay tuned for more updates and make the most of these fantastic new developments in Chilliwack’s transportation infrastructure!