Work is now complete upgrading road and rail connections in the Fraser Surrey area, helping boost the movement of Canadian trade such as grain and canola oil exports, and containerised and project cargo through the Port of Vancouver.
The road and rail upgrades will support more efficient cargo flows through the growing Fraser Surrey Port Lands area, including halving inbound container truck transit times and reducing port-related greenhouse gas emissions. Bulk export volumes (liquid and dry) moving through the trade area have grown by more than 80% since 2021, while container traffic jumped by more than 10% in 2025.
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The Fraser Surrey Port Lands Transportation Improvements Project is the latest gateway improvement project delivered by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority in partnership with industry and government. The project included extending Timberland Road South to reduce rail crossings, upgrading several intersections and rail crossings, and adding a new dedicated inbound lane for container trucks driving to the DP World Fraser Surrey terminal.
“The Port of Vancouver’s terminals and their supply chain partners have a vital role to play supporting national efforts to double Canadian exports with non-US markets over the next 10 years,” said Jennifer Natland, Vice President of Properties and Development at the port authority.
“The Fraser Surrey Port Lands Transportation Improvements are the latest example of how we are working in partnership to deliver investments that grow trade through the gateway. The project will alleviate traffic congestion and reduce rail crossing delays for businesses in the Fraser Surrey area, ultimately enabling port terminals and operators to move more Canadian cargo, more sustainably.”
The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest and North America’s most diversified port, moving $365 billion in trade every year and connecting Canadian businesses with more than 170 overseas markets. Approximately 40-cents of every $1 in Canadian goods traded outside North America moves through the Port of Vancouver.
The port’s Fraser Surrey Port Lands area is home to two major terminals—DP World Fraser Surrey and Fraser Grain Terminal—as well as multiple port and supply chain operators.
Every year the trade corridor moves a wide variety of Canadian cargo including: bulk exports of ore concentrate, canola oil and Prairie grain (wheat, barley and canola seed); containerised cargo that supports communities and businesses across the country; and project cargo like steel and machinery critical for major infrastructure.
“Efficient road and rail connections are essential to keeping cargo moving reliably through the Fraser Surrey terminal and across Canada’s supply chains,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada. “These upgrades will reduce congestion, improve safety and enhance the flow of containerised and bulk cargo through the gateway—helping Canadian exporters reach global markets more efficiently while supporting the continued growth of trade through the Port of Vancouver.”
The project builds on the port authority’s strong track record of delivering high quality projects based on best practices in environmental sustainability, environmental protection, and community engagement. It was delivered with support from the federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund.
“Investments through the National Trade Corridors Fund are strengthening Canada’s supply chains and helping our exporters compete in global markets,” said the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. “The Fraser Surrey Port Lands Transportation Improvements Project will make it easier to move goods efficiently and reliably through the Port of Vancouver, reduce congestion for local communities, and support our efforts to make Canada the strongest economy in the G7.”
The new road alignment and rail upgrades were opened in spring 2025, enabling improved cargo movement through the gateway, with the project fully completed by the end of 2025.
Other major construction infrastructure projects led by the port authority now underway or recently delivered include:
Roberts Bank Terminal 2, Delta: Momentum towards construction is strong for the future container terminal that will create new industrial land, unlock $100 billion in additional annual trade capacity on Canada’s west coast and create tens of thousands of jobs. In July, a preferred construction partner for the landmass and wharf was selected, and the federal government referred the project to the Major Projects Office for consideration as a project of national interest. Terminal operations are expected to begin in the mid-2030s.
Holdom overpass, Burnaby: Construction is now over half-way complete on work to enhance rail service to terminals on the North Shore, while improving traffic flow and safety for the community.
Sterling Shipyard Remediation and Infill Project, Vancouver: Completed in 2025, the project cleaned up 100 years of shoreline industrial use and added 1.1 ha of industrial land to the port.
Annacis Auto Terminal Optimisation Project, Delta: Optimisation work and improvements completed in 2025 increased capacity by one-third.
Centerm Expansion Project, Vancouver: Completed in 2023, the innovative project expanded the terminal by 15% and enabled it to handle 60% more containers every year (1.5 million TEUs).