Survey shows Surrey drivers back a new Massey Tunnel, but many still favour a bridge; traffic jams hurt businesses, calls grow for better roads and transit.
Surrey Drivers Seek Relief from Gridlock
Traffic congestion in Surrey continues to frustrate drivers and stall local businesses. Many commuters rely on the George Massey Tunnel, connecting Surrey to Delta and Richmond, but opinions differ on how to fix it.
A recent survey by the Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade found that 51% of respondents use the tunnel for daily commuting. While 61% support building a new tunnel, a significant number still prefer a bridge alternative.
Traffic Jams Hurt Businesses
The 2026 Surrey Roads Survey revealed that road congestion isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly. Over 80% of respondents said traffic delays negatively affect their business operations.
“Congestion, limited transit options, and infrastructure gaps continue to impact commuters and businesses across Surrey and the south of the Fraser region,” the Board of Trade noted.
Cars Still Dominate Daily Commutes
Despite growing interest in public transit, private vehicles remain Surrey’s primary mode of travel. About 82% of respondents rely on their own car or truck, while only 7% take transit. Nearly half reported spending an additional one to two hours driving during the workday for work-related tasks, underscoring the heavy reliance on road networks.
Key Improvements Surrey Drivers Want
Residents identified several critical areas for upgrades: widening the 152nd Street overpass at Hwy. 99, improving 16th Avenue, and enhancing the intersection at 104th Avenue and 152nd Street.
Joslyn Young, CEO of the Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade, emphasized that transportation challenges are also economic challenges. “Businesses face lost productivity, higher costs, and delays in delivering goods and services. Coordinated investment in both roads and transit is crucial to support Surrey’s growing economy,” she said.
Next Steps
The survey findings were shared during the BC Transportation Update on March 18, featuring Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth. As Surrey grows, the pressure is mounting to find solutions that balance commuter needs, business priorities, and future transit planning.
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