Now that the Evergreen Line is finally on its way, NDP byelection candidate Joe Trasolini would like to say the same for the Murray-Clarke Connector.

Joined by BC NDP leader Adrian Dix, Trasolini called on the provincial government Monday morning to take action towards connector construction.

"Building the Murray-Clarke Connector is a pressing transportation need for commuters in Port Moody-Coquitlam and the northeast sector," said the former Port Moody mayor.

"Both the province and the Metro Vancouver regional government have successfully encouraged massive population growth in our communities without fulfilling the need to build the necessary transportation infrastructure like the connector.

"It's time to get this project off the ground because delaying it further will only worsen commuting times and congestion. This project will also help people get to the new Evergreen Line that is now beginning construction."

Trasolini said he demands the provincial government negotiate a costsharing arrangement with TransLink to start construction and solve the traffic bottleneck.

"We stepped up pressure on Evergreen and finally got results, and we are now going to do the same for this connector," said Trasolini, the NDP candidate in the upcoming tightly fought Port Moody-Coquitlam byelection.

For more than a year, Port Moody council has considered removing Guildford Way, Murray Street and Clarke Street from the major road network to make them part of the local road network. Discussions began after TransLink confirmed there is currently no money to build the Murray-Clarke Connector.

In October, council voted to embark on a visioning exercise with TransLink to review other options for the Murray-Clarke corridor before removing it from the major road network.

At the time, Trasolini said discussions with TransLink aren't enough to address the issue.

In his final speech as Port Moody's mayor, Trasolini vowed to continue advocating for the long-awaited project.

jmcfee@thenownews.com

twitter.com/jennifermcfee