The SkyTrain line between Whalley and Langley City is on track to be opened for service in late 2029. Gilles Assier, executive project director of the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain Project, presented an update to Surrey’s council-in-committee on January 26.
He outlined “key progress” looking ahead that includes most guideway foundations and substructure being completed this year.
“All stations will be under construction in the first half of this year which is another big step forward,” Assier told the politicians. “Overall we are making strong efforts to stay connected and transparent throughout construction and we are doing everything we can to minimize impacts and keep businesses accessible. Our team works directly with businesses and residents along the alignment every day, responding to concerns like noise, dust, traffic changes and planned service shutdowns.”
Testing and commissioning will be done in 2028 and the 14-kilometre line is expected to be opened for service in late 2029, with eight stations and three transit exchanges.
“The entire corridor will feature enhanced greening and green landscaped areas for each portion of the guideway,” Assier told council.
The business case for the project was approved and procurement began in the summer of 2022. January 2024 saw the start of BC Hydro utility relocations, contracts were announced in August, and major construction began in the fall of 2024.
“Let me share a few highlights of the significant progress in 2025,” Assier told council. “One of the key areas was foundation and current construction of both the elevated guideway along the alignment and station foundations. In fact, by the end of the year guideway foundations were more than 70 per cent complete.”
Crews made major progress on underground work providing electrical power to SkyTrain and by the end of 2025, he said, 10 kilometres were complete.
“This work has been among the most impactful, running the full lengths of Fraser Highway,” he said. By the end of last year, he added, more than 40 per cent of the guideway columns were completed.
“One of the big highlights from the past year has been the introduction of the project launching gantries, the specialized machine that install the concrete segments forming the elevated guideway.”
There are four in operation: The Surrey Sprinter, Fleetwood Flyer, Clayton Clipper and Langley Launcher.
The six stations in Surrey, Assier said, will be more than just transit stops. “They are designed as vibrant community anchors and catalysts for transit-oriented development,” he said, with First-Nations and other public art.
“We expect to announce the artists as soon as the selection process is complete. Design elements of the stations such as plazas, landscaping plantings and pavement design will support a positive passenger experience and help create a sense of place for both passengers and the surrounding community,” Assier told council.
The westernmost of the new Surrey stations is Green Timbers, at 140 Street. It has the smallest footprint and is built over Fraser Highway to minimize impacts on the surrounding forest, followed by 152 Street Station with a pedestrian overpass, then Fleetwood Station at 160 Street, Bakerview-166 Street Station, Hillcrest-184 Street Station, and Clayton Station at 190 Street.
The Langley stations are Willowbrook Station at 196 Street and Langley City Centre Station at 203 Street.