The Governments of Canada and British Columbia (BC) along with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Tsawwassen First Nation have agreed to jointly fund a series of road and highway improvements in the Delta and Surrey regions of BC.

The estimated total cost for the road improvement project is C$245m ($182m).

As part of the agreement, the Canadian government will be contributing C$81m ($60m), the BC government will be providing approximately C$80m ($59m), the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is contributing nearly C$80m ($59m), while the Tsawwassen First Nation will be offering C$3.5m ($2.6m).

"The government and authorities anticipate that the upgrade works will reduce congestion and boost Asia-Pacific trade opportunities."

Delta Member of Parliament Carla Qualtrough said: “Demand for Canadian exports in Asia-Pacific markets continues to grow at a rapid rate.

"Working in partnership with every order of government, we are making smart investments that further Canada’s competitive advantages and foster a thriving middle class by opening the country to new economic, social and environmental possibilities.

“We are also working to ensure residents can travel safely and efficiently across their communities.”

The project works include improvements along three key, interconnected gateway corridors including upgrades to Highway 91, Highway 91 Connector, Highway 17, and Deltaport Way / 27B Avenue.

The government and authorities anticipate that the upgrade works will reduce congestion and boost Asia-Pacific trade opportunities.

Upon completion, the upgrades are expected to enhance capacity, efficiency and safety as truck and passenger traffic is expected to grow along these important trade corridors and Deltaport.

The Port of Vancouver’s largest container terminal is located at Roberts Bank in Delta.

Construction is scheduled to start this year and is expected to be completed by 2021, generating C$194m ($144m) in economic benefit and an estimated 745 direct construction jobs over the course of the project.