Chilliwack, BC – The City of Chilliwack is proudly announcing the opening of the Evans Road Connector project this afternoon, October 30th, to motor vehicle traffic. This capital project is the City's largest to-date and will open months ahead of the targeted spring 2010 completion date!

"The Evans Road Connector project will reduce congestion, increase access to the Trans Canada Highway, community amenities and improve safety and travel times" said Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz. "This new infrastructure is a key piece of Chilliwack's transportation plan and a requirement for meeting the demands of our growing city. Not only will it benefit our residents, it will provide visitors better access to local businesses and facilities."

The 2.5 kilometre connecter and interchange links Evans Road at Knight Road to the south, with Ashwell Road at Deans Avenue to the north; providing an alternate route for residents, businesses and visitors between Chilliwack and Sardis. Extended bike lanes and sidewalks will provide continuity for cyclists and pedestrians. There is a roundabout as well as bridge crossings over Chilliwack Creek and Chilliwack Creek diversion. The project also includes an at-grade rail crossing over the CN Railway. The Evans Road Connector project will connect Evans Road to Prospera Centre.

The Canada-BC Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund provided a $2 million grant towards the project. The BC Ministry of Transportation contributed $4 million and ICBC has funded $100,000. The remaining costs of the project are paid for by City of Chilliwack development cost charges. The $48.8 million budget for the Evans Road Connector project includes land purchase, utilities, environmental and engineering costs. The budget also contains an allowance of $150,000 for landscape work, which is expected to be completed in spring 2010.

The Evans Road Connector project is made possible through a partnership between the Squiala First Nation and the federal, provincial and municipal governments. A land easement agreement allows the new road to cross Squiala lands. The agreement includes the installation of underground utility services, which opens up over 100 acres of land for First Nation development.