After more than eight months of a full closure, a critical section of Fraser Highway in Surrey has reopened to traffic. However, the relief for drivers is temporary, as significant traffic pattern changes and disruptions are set to continue along the route for several more years due to the ongoing construction of the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension.
Extended Closure for Green Timbers Station
The reopened segment is Fraser Highway between 140th Street and 96th Avenue. This area was shut down to allow for the safe and efficient construction of the future Green Timbers Station, which is projected to open by late 2029. This station is unique among the eight new stops being added as part of the 16-kilometre SkyTrain expansion; it is the only one being built directly above the roadway, while the other seven will be constructed beside Fraser Highway.
The closure, initially expected to end in October 2025, was extended into mid-December to complete this complex phase of work. The new Green Timbers Station will be strategically located at 140 Street and Fraser Highway, near major facilities like the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre and Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Traffic Changes to Persist Through 2028
While the highway is now open, normal traffic flow is far from restored. Motorists must prepare for a series of adjustments that will be in place through to 2028. Key changes include:
- Single-lane traffic in each direction on Fraser Highway between 140 Street and 96 Avenue.
- Travel lanes that will shift periodically based on the location of active construction work.
- Continued closures of multi-use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, with signed alternate routes available.
- Left-turn restrictions for Fraser Highway southbound onto 140 Street, and for 140 Street eastbound onto Fraser Highway.
These measures are necessary to continue work on the elevated guideway and stations for the massive transit project.
A Project for Future Growth
The Surrey-Langley SkyTrain Project is a major infrastructure undertaking designed to meet the demands of rapid population growth south of the Fraser River. The City of Surrey, along with the Township of Langley and City of Langley, anticipate an increase of 400,000 residents over the next 30 years.
"This growth will place pressure on our transportation system, economy and environment as a result of planned increased land use development along the Fraser Highway corridor," stated the City of Surrey. The new SkyTrain line is seen as essential to reducing reliance on automobiles and encouraging trips by active transportation for the "first and last mile" of a journey.
The extension will expand the Expo Line by 16 kilometres, creating an elevated route from the existing King George SkyTrain Station all the way to Langley Centre. "As the backbone of our rapid transit network, SkyTrain offers riders fast, frequent, high-capacity service. Our focus is to get Surrey residents where they need to go quickly, safely, and affordably," the city added.
For now, drivers are advised to plan for extra travel time, heed all construction signage, and consider alternative routes where possible as the region builds toward its transit future.
