Anyone who has travelled westbound on Highway 1 from Abbotsford and the eastern Fraser Valley knows the 264th Street interchange as a frequent site for traffic incidents and congestion. The ongoing redesign of this interchange in Aldergrove represents a significant change for local drivers and a major step forward in regional traffic management. As part of the larger Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Improvement Program this project is replacing the long-standing cloverleaf with a new diverging diamond interchange (DDI), the first of its kind in British Columbia.
The new design aims to improve traffic flow and increase safety by removing the need for left turns across oncoming traffic. For all drivers, especially new learners, understanding this new layout is a way to adapt safely during this transitional period. Let's explore some of the changes and what they mean for driving in Aldergrove.
How does a diverging diamond interchange work?
The cornerstone of this project is the construction of a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). This is an innovative design that aims to improve traffic flow and safety by addressing the challenges of traditional intersections.
A DDI works by allowing drivers exiting the highway to turn onto the local roadway in either direction without crossing oncoming traffic. This "crossover" on the overpass also enables drivers to turn left onto the highway without turning across traffic. Drivers who are continuing on the local road are simply directed to the opposite side and then back to their original lane, all while moving through just a couple of traffic lights. These movements are controlled by traffic signals, with clear signage, curbs, and pavement markings to guide drivers.
The interchange design's ability to eliminate left turns across oncoming traffic is expected to reduce the number of times vehicles cross paths, which in turn reduces the potential for collisions. This streamlined flow helps to accommodate more vehicles and reduce congestion, as the simplified two-phase signal operation allows traffic to move more frequently.
What are the benefits of the new 264th Street interchange?
The DDI design offers several key benefits that are well-known and have been proven in over 100 DDIs across the United States. The primary advantages are directly related to the new layout.
By eliminating left turns across oncoming traffic, the DDI reduces the chance of collisions, which increases safety for all motorists. The 264th Street off-ramp area saw roughly 440 incidents in 2024 alone, so lowering this number would be a major improvement for road safety in Aldergrove. Additionally, by removing these left turns, DDIs improve traffic flow and can accommodate more vehicles, thereby reducing congestion and long lines for drivers entering and exiting the highway.
The design also supports active transportation by including safe pathways for walking and cycling. The pathways separate pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicles, increasing safety for sharing the road. The 264th Street interchange will also become a transportation hub, with potential plans to include a new truck parking lot with approximately 25 stalls and a new transit exchange, including a bus loop and vehicle parking with approximately 200 stalls.
How can you handle the temporary changes until 2028?
While the final diverging diamond interchange (DDI) will provide long-term benefits, drivers must first adapt to the temporary traffic patterns that are in place to allow for construction. The project is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed in 2028. The familiar cloverleaf loop ramps have been permanently closed to allow for this work, which means drivers will need to plan ahead and anticipate some roadway changes.
Two major traffic shifts are now in effect:
- Effective as of May 23, 2025, motorists exiting Highway 1 westbound are being redirected to a new off-ramp located about 300 metres earlier than the old one. This off-ramp connects to a new signalized intersection.
- As of June 13, 2025, drivers exiting eastbound at 264th Street are being redirected to a new off-ramp approximately 500 metres earlier. This new ramp connects to a signalized intersection at 56th Avenue.
These temporary changes, which replace free-flow ramps with signalized intersections, require a different set of driving skills and awareness. Drivers, both new and experienced, now need to focus on proper lane positioning, lane tracking, and intersection safety. If you need to build your confidence while navigating through construction zones and changing traffic patterns like these, consider bringing a trusted driver along with you. Whether you're experienced or a new driver, having another set of eyes can help navigate through some confusing traffic patterns!
What are some tips for new drivers needing to navigate through the 264th Street area?
For anyone preparing for an ICBC road test, or simply wanting to feel more comfortable with the new traffic patterns, practice with a Driving Instructor can be a helpful option. A skilled Instructor can provide guided practice that focuses on the specific skills needed to navigate the changing landscape.
Consider these practice tips:
- Anticipate Your Exit Pay close attention to road signs and be prepared to signal and move to the correct lane well in advance of the off-ramp. With the new off-ramps being located hundreds of metres earlier, early awareness is key.
- Practice Turning Movements Spend time at the new signalized intersections on 264th Street and 56th Avenue to get a feel for the left and right turning movements. This helps build confidence in approaching, signaling, and executing turns at a controlled light.
- Observe and Adjust The construction zone will have temporary lane closures and shifting patterns. Practice scanning the road ahead to anticipate slowing vehicles or queues during peak hours. Learning to react to these unplanned changes is a valuable skill.
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The redesign and addition of a diverging diamond interchange at 264th Street is a complex and important project for the Fraser Valley. While the construction period presents some temporary challenges, the completed diverging diamond interchange is designed to improve traffic flow and safety for everyone. For new drivers, it’s a chance to build confidence and refine the skills needed to navigate a busy, changing road. Taking professional lessons in Aldegrove to safely master the new layout can be a great way to prepare for a road test and build the competence needed for a lifetime of safe driving.
Interested in learning more about how to drive safely and confidently in the Fraser Valley? Check out our other blogs like Tips for Safely Navigating Intersections and Mastering Driving in Aldergrove.