The Surrey–Langley SkyTrain is moving ahead fast, with stations rising, guideways taking shape, and service planned to begin by late 2029.
SkyTrain Extension Hits Major Milestones
Big transit news is rolling down Fraser Highway. The long-awaited SkyTrain extension linking Whalley to Langley City remains firmly on schedule for a late 2029 opening. Moreover, project leaders say construction progress across Surrey and Langley shows real momentum, not just promises.
During a January 26 update to Surrey council, Gilles Assier, executive project director of the Surrey–Langley SkyTrain Project, shared what he called “key progress” and clear next steps. Importantly, he stressed that the project continues to move forward while staying connected with residents, businesses, and commuters along the corridor.
In short, trains may still be years away, but the groundwork is already transforming the region.
Foundations, Stations, and Forward Motion
Construction activity will intensify in 2026. According to Assier, crews expect to complete most guideway foundations and substructures within the year. At the same time, every station along the line will be under construction during the first half of the year.
That matters because stations mark visible progress. They signal permanence. They also reassure communities that timelines hold steady.
Assier emphasized transparency throughout construction. His team works daily with nearby businesses and residents. As a result, they respond quickly to concerns about noise, dust, traffic changes, and service disruptions. Therefore, while construction brings inconvenience, the project team aims to reduce impacts wherever possible.
Testing Begins Before Trains Roll
The Surrey–Langley SkyTrain will stretch 14 kilometres and include eight stations plus three transit exchanges. While riders will board trains in 2029, testing and commissioning will start a year earlier, in 2028.
This testing phase ensures safety, reliability, and smooth operations. Meanwhile, landscaping and finishing touches will continue across the corridor.
Notably, the entire route will feature enhanced greening. Landscaped areas will line the guideway, and each station will include green design elements. Consequently, the line aims to blend into communities rather than dominate them.
From Business Case to Breaking Ground
The project did not appear overnight. The business case received approval in summer 2022, and procurement followed soon after. Then, in January 2024, BC Hydro utility relocations began. Contracts were announced in August of that year, and major construction launched in fall 2024.
By 2025, progress accelerated.
Assier highlighted several accomplishments from last year alone. By December, guideway foundations stood more than 70 per cent complete. In addition, crews completed 10 kilometres of underground electrical work to power the SkyTrain system.
This underground work proved especially challenging. It stretched the full length of Fraser Highway. However, despite its impact, crews pushed forward steadily. As a result, more than 40 per cent of guideway columns now stand in place.
Meet the Machines Building the Guideway
One of the most eye-catching developments arrived in 2025: the launch of specialized construction machines called gantries. These massive machines install the concrete segments that form the elevated guideway.
Four gantries currently operate along the route. Each one even has a nickname. There’s the Surrey Sprinter, the Fleetwood Flyer, the Clayton Clipper, and the Langley Launcher.
Together, they work section by section. Therefore, progress remains consistent, visible, and easier to track for the public.
Stations Designed as Community Anchors
The six Surrey stations will serve more than commuters. According to Assier, they will act as community hubs and catalysts for transit-oriented development.
Designers plan public plazas, thoughtful landscaping, and welcoming station layouts. Furthermore, First Nations and other public art will feature prominently. Artist announcements will follow once the selection process finishes.
All of these design choices aim to create a sense of place. In other words, stations will feel like neighbourhood landmarks, not just stops along a line.
A Closer Look at Each Stop
The westernmost Surrey station, Green Timbers at 140 Street, has the smallest footprint. Builders placed it over Fraser Highway to reduce impact on the surrounding forest. Next comes 152 Street Station, which will include a pedestrian overpass.
Fleetwood Station rises at 160 Street, followed by Bakerview–166 Street Station. Then come Hillcrest–184 Street Station and Clayton Station at 190 Street.
In Langley, Willowbrook Station will sit at 196 Street, while Langley City Centre Station will anchor the line at 203 Street.
Together, these stations will connect growing communities, shorten commute times, and support future development.
The Track Ahead Looks Clear
For now, the message from project leaders remains consistent. The Surrey–Langley SkyTrain stays on track, both literally and figuratively. While construction continues, progress remains steady, visible, and measurable.
As 2029 approaches, residents can expect more changes along the corridor. However, they can also expect a modern transit line that reshapes how the region moves, grows, and connects.
Simply put, the future of transit in Surrey and Langley is already taking shape—one column, one station, and one kilometre at a time.
