Last December, motorists were in for a shock when they crossed the Alex Fraser Bridge following snowfalls.

Much to their horror, chunks of ice came down from the cables, damaging a small number of vehicles.

That caused the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to shut down traffic at different times.

Today, the NDP government announced two projects to make things easier for people who need to make this crossing.

A cable-collar system will be installed to remove the ice from the Alex Fraser Bridge.

It will cost $5 million and should be in place by the end of this year.

There will also be an extra lane with a counter-flow barrier system added to the Alex Fraser Bridge, which will cost $70 million.

That's expected to be in operation by the fall of 2018.

Nearly $34 million will be covered through federal infrastructure funds.

“Many Delta residents rely heavily on the Alex Fraser Bridge,” Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon said in a news release. “The extra lane, with its counter-flow barrier system, will save commuters valuable time each day, and the cable collar system is an important safety addition that will help keep the bridge open during the worst winter weather.”

The B.C. NDP has seven MLAs representing Surrey and North Delta. The federal Liberals have five MPs representing Surrey and Delta.