Statement from Mayor’s Office regarding traffic disruption on Barnet Highway on September 16

Mayor Meghan Lahti has issued the following statement regarding significant delays experienced by drivers along Barnet Highway and through Port Moody on September 16, 2024: 

Yesterday, residents and commuters were adversely and unduly affected by paving work that’s part of a City-managed road rehabilitation project on Barnet Highway from Clarke Street to the Burnaby border. On behalf of Council and City staff, I would like to apologize for the major delays experienced by all drivers, whether their destination was Port Moody or another municipality in the region. We acknowledge and understand that this significant traffic disruption was extremely challenging for everyone, particularly during the rush hour period, and that we need to do better in the future. Staff are reviewing the construction plan that led to the traffic issues on September 16 to ensure that a similar situation does not arise again as this project continues through to its anticipated completion in November. 

We are committed to serving our residents and understand that traffic management must be prioritized in our community. We will work proactively to develop policies that minimize disruption to peoples’ lives during these types of projects. We recognize that efficient travel in and through Port Moody is of paramount importance, and that we need to find ways, such as increasing the amount of work completed in off-peak and night-time hours, to make commuting easier for everyone during periods of roadwork and construction. 

-Mayor Meghan Lahti 

Drivers are encouraged to follow the City’s social media channels and check portmoody.ca/roadwork regularly to find out if their route is affected by construction or other road works.