Grade separation complete near Canada's largest container terminal

Canadian government and Port Metro Vancouver officials on Friday marked the completion of the $44.7 million Roberts Bank Causeway Overpass in Delta, British Columbia.

The overpass provides a grade separation between tracks and the Roberts Bank Causeway access road adjacent to the Deltaport Container Terminal in Delta. The two-lane overpass will improve container handling capacity at the port, as well as boost rail capacity and enhance the safety and fluidity of traffic moving to and from the terminal, government officials said in a press release.

The project will contribute to an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 20-foot equivalent units of additional annual capacity at Deltaport, Canada's largest container terminal, they said.

The overpass is part of the Deltaport Terminal Road and Rail Improvement Project (DTRRIP), a near-term plan developed by the port that's designed to reduce delays and inefficiencies in rail and truck operations, and increase cargo-handling capacity at Deltaport. Scheduled for completion in 2016, the DTRRIP also calls for reconfiguring track and adding container-handling equipment at the terminal, improving rail within existing right of way and roadwork on Deltaport Way to improve container truck movements.

"The project [will increase] the efficiency of the Deltaport terminal so that it can better handle growing demand for container trade to and from Asia," said Port Metro Vancouver President and Chief Executive Officer Robin Silvester. "This portion of the project is eliminating delays and congestion for truckers and increasing rail capacity by providing a roadway over rail lines on the Roberts Bank causeway."

The overpass will play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor that serves Deltaport, government officials said. In September, a $307 million Roberts Bank Rail Corridor improvement program was completed.