Editor: For everyday people who live in Langley, especially those from south of the freeway who commute on Highway 1, the interchange at 216 Street will surely provide better access and a quicker commute.
Most of the population in the Township and (all who reside in) the City live to the south of the highway and most people need to access Highway 1.
The Township is making accommodations in this project for Walnut Grove residents, by providing better sidewalks on both sides of 216 Street, better marked pedestrian crosswalks and proper bike lanes for cyclists riding over the interchange.
There will also be improvements to the culverts carrying spawning salmon, which will improve the fish habitat in the surrounding streams.
Most trucks will still rely on 200 Street for their access into the industrial area of Langley.
The trucks (much smaller) that will use 216 Street north will be delivering items like furniture and grocery stock for Walnut Grove residents.
No one embraces change in their own backyards, but the 216 Street interchange is a reality that has been in the process for the past 30 years.
Metro Vancouver and the Langleys have grown in 30 years and better transportation routes are imperative.
I, personally have endured change, growth and much more traffic on my quiet street when the 208 Street overpass opened some 15 years ago, but it was necessary for the back and forth into Walnut Grove from all parts of Langley.
What would we do if we didn’t have the 208 Street overpass now?
Just imagine.
Instead of running from change, let’s embrace it and make it work for us by providing better access to and from all parts of Langley.
IG Lambert,
Langley
