Scott Neuman with Stephan Mehr
Scott Neuman with Stephan Mehr

Surrey: Surrey’s population is expected to grow by 300,000 within the next 25 years. Light Rail Transit (LRT) has been identified as the best solution to help reduce congestion and move individuals along the Surrey-Newton-Guildford corridors quickly, reliably and safely while transforming neighbourhoods into more vibrant and livable communities.

TransLink and the City of Surrey have embarked on the third stage of consultation around the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit Project. The public have been invited to learn more and have their say by attending one of three open houses and completing an online survey between May 25 and June 14.

The purpose of this stage of engagement is to give people a more detailed view of the current Project design, including changes made in response to feedback received in the second stage of consultation, and obtain feedback in order to make further refinements. We’re also seeking input on proposed measures to minimize disruption during construction, and assist with planning for future public art. Our comprehensive approach is to consult, monitor, adjust, evaluate and report.

PowerPoint PresentationThe key themes that we’ve heard through consultation with residents and stakeholders to date relate to convenience, safety and security, road safety, accessibility and access during construction.

 Following are some of the responses to questions and feedback to date:

Customer Convenience

  • LRT stop shelters have been extended, with additional overhangs to better protect customers from the elements while waiting for their train.
  • ATMs and additional information boards will be installed.
  • Improved features for customers with vision loss or visual impairments.

Customer Safety and Security

Stops will be designed to accepted best practices. Additional refinements in the updated stop design include:

  • LED lighting at stops and onboard to deliver consistent illumination for personal safety at night.
  • Emergency call phones.
  • Safety rails on each side of the access ramp for customer safety, and also for all side platforms adjacent vehicular roadway.
  • Barriers between stops and roadway to protect customers.

Road Safety

  • Protected green light left-hand turns to make turning safer.
  • Dedicated crosswalks for cyclists at major intersections along King George Boulevard.
  • Protocols to ensure rapid clearing of traffic incidents to keep transit customers moving.
  • Traffic safety education programs, coordinated by Road Safety BC and ICBC before service starts.

Accessibility

  • Access to and from all stops will be easy and intuitive.
  • Transit wayfinding signs will be prominent and easy to read.
  • Accessibility features include no-step level boarding to light rail vehicles, cane-detection strips and tactile directional paving along platforms at stops.

Access During Construction

  • Maintain transit service and pedestrian access, and maintain designated cycling areas (or provide good alternate cycling route where required).
  • All businesses will be accessible during construction.
  • A responsive program will be established to work with business owners, residents and the community in minimizing disruption and maximizing predictability during construction.

Next Steps

Following this stage of engagement, we will continue to engage the public and stakeholders as appropriate. Once a contractor is selected, future engagement is anticipated on any significant design changes, traffic and access management plans for construction, and preparation for opening. We invite those who want to stay involved and informed about the Project to register online for e-updates.

 Quick Facts about the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rapid Transit Project

  • 10.5-kms of LRT along the King George Boulevard and 104 Avenue corridors
  • 11 new stops
  • Driver-operated
  • 16 modern & accessible trains
  • 27 minute travel time connecting Surrey City Centre, Guildford, and Newton
  • 71,000+ daily boardings by 2045

Key design changes since the last round of consultation include:

  • Wider lanes on 104 Avenue, with more right-hand turning lanes and protected left-turn signals at key intersections.
  • Improved LRT stop designs, including measures to better protect people from wind, rain and sun, and improved measures for persons with vision loss or visual impairments.
  • Improved pedestrian and cyclist measures at stops, accessing stops from intersections, and on-board.

For more information: www.surreylightrail.ca