(COQUITLAM) March 28, 2025 — The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey of hundreds of businesses in the United Boulevard area of Coquitlam on what has long been a contentious traffic issue.
Nearly 94% of survey respondents want the Fawcett on/off ramp of Highway 1 open to all traffic, 24 hours per day, seven days a week, should it be deemed safe to do so.
The Fawcett ramp is currently open to truck traffic only from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, causing regular traffic destined for the area to drive a longer route, increasing congestion in the surrounding areas and freeway exits. The often gridlocked neighbouring exit of Brunette is one of the only Highway 1 interchanges from West Vancouver to Abbotsford that has not been upgraded in decades.
"With increasing development and densification across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, it is crucial that commercial goods and passenger traffic get to their destination in as direct and timely manner as possible," said Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber.
"Businesses in this area overwhelmingly want the Fawcett access changed. Spending more time in traffic than necessary has a negative impact on our economy and our communities, and creates higher emissions. We must ensure the efficient flow of commercial goods and people throughout our region for our economy to thrive," said Courchesne.
The Tri-Cities Chamber is sharing the survey results publicly, and is taking the findings to the BC Minister of Transportation and Transit. The Chamber recommends a traffic-study to assess the safety of this potential change.
The three-question survey was conducted in the Fall of 2024, with an email invitation sent to 325 organizations south of Highway 1 in Coquitlam. The Chamber received 93 responses from 56 businesses.
Comments received through the survey highlighted the added time, expense, and frustration of workers and patrons travelling in and out of the area. Examples include:
"The inability to use the Fawcett on/off ramp increases time spent on the road for our drivers, increases accident probability, reduces fuel economy and reduces our company's overall productivity, with increased wear and tear on the vehicles. Our vehicles burn more fuel and cause more emissions."
"With the new development at the King Edward overpass, opening Fawcett will allow a better flow of traffic in and out of the corridor."
"We can't understand the logic of the restriction in the first place. Much of the traffic that is backing up on King Edward is headed either from or to the freeway and this would save time for our staff."
"This on/off ramp is under underused and if not open to all is a total waste of taxpayers' money - open it to all 24 hours 7 days per week."
"Takes longer to provide good and services to our customers. Relief from United Blvd & King Edward new Fraser Mills development and construction that will be ongoing for the next 10 to 15 years. We have suffered immensely with the Port Mann Bridge and Trans Mountain Pipeline construction projects."
"We have a fleet of vehicles that could move about the city more efficiently."
"Maybe make it open for trucks only 7 am - 4 pm. Believe it would help "emptying" Fawcett Road businesses quicker and safer."
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870