Heavy truck traffic will soon be rerouted out of downtown as part of a long-awaited road improvement project led by the Province that will kick off later this year.
At the heart of the project is improving the intersections at Highway 7 and Murray Street, and Glasgow Avenue and Horne Street so they can accommodate commercial vehicles headed for highway 7 or 11.
“Mission is literally a community on the move, and this piece of infrastructure has been a pinch point for downtown and the waterfront for decades,” said Mayor Horn. “This is huge news because it demonstrates how the Province is committed to addressing our growth needs by providing long-term transportation solutions for our community through this work.”
The new trucking route is being delivered in parallel with the South Mission Integrated Planning Study announced by the Province earlier this fall. The Province will also be completing design work to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Highway 7 and 11.
“Over the past three years, MLA D’Eith and Minister Alexis have made sure more than a dozen Ministers have visited Mission to see firsthand our challenges and opportunities,” said Horn. “This is just one example of how their advocacy has put us on the map.”
Conversations surrounding heavy traffic and First Avenue have been ongoing in the community for years. A business engagement process led by the City of Mission in 2021 saw the majority of business owners in favour of keeping heavy trucks off First Avenue.
“This marks the start of great things coming to Downtown Mission,” says Karley Holley Executive Director of the Downtown Business Association. “The Mission Downtown Business Association is committed to seeing the heart of our City evolve in a way that stimulates economic growth, creates a safe space for all and allows businesses to thrive in a vibrant, walkable environment. Downtown Mission has a very bright future, and this is just the beginning.”
“The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce is delighted to learn about the planned changes to the local truck route that will significantly benefit our downtown community and storefronts,” said Miriam Bozman, Executive Director of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The positive impact of these changes on our local businesses, as well as the overall livability of our community, cannot be overstated.”
The Province will tender the project later this fall, and work is expected to be completed by summer 2024.
Media Contact
Taryn Hubbard Manager, Communications and Public Engagement City of Mission 604-820-3732 thubbard@mission.ca