Feb. 9, 2003 – The Fraser River Crossing project, connecting the north and south shores of the Fraser River between Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows and Langley / Surrey, is proceeding quickly. When this project is completed the Albion Ferry, which presently provides this service, will be taken out of service. Therefore, it is vitally important that cyclists and pedestrians be provided good access to this connection.

Two options are being considered – a bridge, or a bridge and tunnel combination. Translink, the agency responsible for the project, may choose to not include cycling access in the tunnel section. Regardless of which option is chosen, (and for cyclists and pedestrians the bridge is clearly the better one) we must make sure that cyclists are accomodated properly. Remember that we are not permitted on the Port Mann Bridge or in the Massey Tunnel and that the closest alternative crossing locations will be the Mission Bridge or the Patullo Bridge, 50 kilometres apart.

Many of those of us who don't live in the area train, tour and race in the Fraser Valley. This is an issue that concerns all of us. Please make your wishes known at one of the upcoming public meetings, by contacting the Translink directors and/or by writing to the Translink board – see the information below. There is also a link to the Translink web site that has more information on the project.

The public meeting dates are:

February 10 5:00 – 8:30pm
Ramada Royale Inn
Harris Rd. & Lougheed Hwy
Pitt Meadows

February 11 5:00 – 8:30pm
Mountainview Alliance Church
7640 200th St.
Langley

February 12 5:00 – 8:30pm
Maple.Ridge Public Library
Fraser Room
22470 Dewdney Trunk Road
Maple Ridge

February 13 5:00 – 8:30pm
Tynehead Comm. Hall
96th Ave. and 168th St.
Surrey