Pitt Meadows Road and Rail Improvements Project

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is leading the Pitt Meadows Road and Rail Improvement project that will eliminate the rail crossings at Harris Road and Kennedy Road. Pitt Meadows is home to two of the busiest rail crossings in the lower mainland.

The project includes: 

• A new four-lane underpass below the CP main rail crossing at Harris Road 
• A new two-lane overpass on Kennedy Road over the main rail line entrance to CP’s Vancouver Intermodal Facility  

CP is leading the following rail components:

•  A new siding track on the north side of the existing tracks between Harris Road and Kennedy Road
• An extension of the existing lead track accessing the Vancouver Intermodal Facility east across Harris Road

The port authority is consulting with Indigenous groups, municipalities, and other stakeholders as we conduct technical studies and community engagement, advance project design, and plan for project construction. 

Photo of Harris Road today

Rendering of underpass at Harris Road, final design still to be determined

Project benefits

The port authority has a positive track record of delivering high-quality projects based on best practices in sustainability, environmental protection, and engagement.

Benefits of this project include:

	Improved public safety by reducing the risk of collisions between trains and people walking, cycling, and driving		Reduced congestion by improving mobility for local residents
	Better emergency response for police, firefighters, and ambulance to get to incidents faster and more easily		Reduced emissions and energy consumption by eliminating vehicle wait times at train crossings
	More reliable commute times by removing rail crossing delays		Increased job opportunities  through Canada’s growing trade needs
	Reduced noise by separating rail crossings to reduce train noise and crossing signals		Accommodating trade growth by increasing capacity to move Canadian products to foreign markets, and foreign products to Canadian consumers safely and more efficiently

The port authority will also work with the local community and Indigenous groups to identify opportunities for:

Public space improvements by adding Indigenous cultural recognition, public art, and native species in landscaping plans

Improved connections for walking and cycling Enhance walking and cycling facilities associated with the crossings.

Project partners

Successfully delivering this project will require strong collaboration with the City of Pitt Meadows, local Indigenous groups, and CP, and we will be working closely with them to ensure the project addresses their particular needs.

This project has three partners:

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
The port authority is providing overall project management and ensuring best practice in engagement and environmental protection.

CP
CP owns and operates the Vancouver Intermodal Facility located in Pitt Meadows. CP will lead the extension of the existing track leading to the Vancouver Intermodal Facility. They are also providing project funding.

City of Pitt Meadows
The City of Pitt Meadows is collaborating with the port authority and CP to ensure the project meets the needs of the community. The city will be responsible for maintaining the Kennedy Road overpass and the public-serving portions of the Harris Road underpass (not the structure supporting the rail) when complete. CP will maintain the structure supporting the rail tracks. The city is also helping to find a new location for the Hoffmann & Son Shop and the General Store.

Timeline

The below timeline shows historical events as well as the project’s anticipated timeline.

• 2017 – Project submitted to the National Trade Corridors Fund for funding
• 2018 – Early public engagement held in Pitt Meadows on the future of transportation in the city
• 2018 – The Government of Canada grants funding to design and build the project through the National Trade Corridors Fund
• October 21- November 22, 2019 – First phase of public engagement
• July 7-28, 2020 – Phase two engagement, part one for the Kennedy Road overpass
• Spring 2021 – Update on the noise and vibration study and rail component of the project led by CP
• Fall 2021 – Phase two, part two engagement: Harris Road underpass and location of the heritage buildings
• 2021 – Final project approval
• 2021 – Construction begins
• 2024 – Project completion

Timelines are subject to change

Funding partners

This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the National Trade Corridors Fund, the port authority, and CP.

Part of Greater Vancouver Gateway 2030