The official grand opening of the South Fraser Perimeter Road will be held Saturday morning.

The new highway has been open for South Delta commuters for a few days, and much longer in parts of Surrey, but Saturday’s event marks completion of the entire stretch of road.

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A number of side projects, such as tree planting, still have to take place, but the approximately 40-kilometre, four-lane road is now fully open, allowing drivers to travel from Deltaport Way to 176th Street in Surrey, with connections to highways 1, 15, 91, 99 and the Golden Ears Bridge.

The new highway is now officially called Highway 17, while the old Highway 17 in South Delta has been renamed Highway 17A.

The Fraser Transportation Group (FTG) was selected three years ago to deliver the final phase of design and construction, as well as operate and maintain the SFPR over 20 years. It won’t be a tolled road.

According to FTG, the new route will take a significant step towards improving Metro Vancouver’s major road network. It will benefit commuters, the trucking industry and tourists by connecting primary gateway facilities as well as facilitating access to borders, the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and the B.C. Interior.

Saturday’s event at 11 a.m. near the Tilbury interchange will have a plethora of local, provincial and federal dignitaries celebrating the completion of the billion-dollar project.

Poor signage and driver confusion earlier this week resulted in long lineups in South Delta.