Editor: After years of discussion and changes, the Mufford Crescent/Glover Road overpass and intersection are still not finalized. Looking back on the problem, it is obvious the problems being experienced are caused by inappropriate planning and trying to do things that would not be needed if it was done right in the first place.
First, we need a Long Range Master Transportation Plan for the Lower Mainland. All work must fit and be properly co-ordinated.
Second, we need to realize that light rail up the valley using the old B.C. Electric right of way is part of the plan.
Third, heavy rail traffic to and from Deltaport needs to be rerouted to connect with the main CN double-tracked line up the valley, along the Fraser River.
Fourth, we need the development of a positive Liveable Region Strategy for the Lower Mainland. We must preserve farmland for food and green space. We do not need another Los Angeles in the Fraser Valley.
All our present problems have been caused by poor short-range planning, which ensures lots of work in the future and a waste of tax dollars. For example, if we built light rail overpasses at Fraser Highway, 200 Street and Langley Bypass, west of Glover Road, it would really solve the traffic probems there and would cut the cost in half.
Most secondary roads would only require gates. Ten seconds and the train is gone and vehicle traffic is able to move. The money saved could be used to relocate the heavy rail and build a new rail bridge over the Fraser at New Westminster.
The railways would save money. And they would not need the nine road overpasses that are proposed, or the double-tracking needed on the present route through Langley City.
One could write a book on the poor and inappropriate planning to date, but the powers that be just do not want to listen to common sense. The main roadblock is the provincial government, which will only agree to wasting our money and doing things that ensure the railroads do not spend theirs.
A past example of poor planning is the single point interchange on 200 Street at Highway 1, built about 10 years ago. We told them it would not work, and it was the wrong place to build one, but the transportation ministry staff would not listen, and insisted the $15 million they would get from land sales was a good thing.
It now takes up to 20 minutes to get through the intersection during rush hours, and it is now going to cost up to $1 billion to improve Highway 1 and allow for bus service to Vancouver.
We need good leadership, planning and common sense. Everything should be put on hold until we get it. Solutions to our problem have been found in other parts of the world.
There is no need to reinvent the wheel when we could learn from the mistakes and success stories of others. We can have a wonderful valley with the needed transportation systems.
We must insist that our leaders and managers do what is right.
Eric J. Bysouth,
Langley City
