The New Bridge - its Coming
Posted
on Jul 22, 2014
Massey Tunnel Replace – When will the new bridge be built?
Pam Ryan from the Ministry of Transportation updated club members on the Massey Tunnel replacement project. Pam has worked on the South Fraser Road project and a variety of other major infrastructure projects.
1. What is the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project?
The Ministry of Transportation is developing plans to replace the existing George Massey Tunnel with a new bridge along the Highway 99 corridor. This project is in response to growing concerns about the impact of congestion at this crossing, and recognizes that the existing tunnel has 10 to 15 years of useful life remaining before major components will need to be completely replaced.
Construction is expected to begin in 2017. A great deal of additional technical and financial analysis still needs to take place before confirming designs and selecting a contractor. Starting now will ensure we have a solution in place within by 2022 – one that meets the growing needs of communities, businesses and stakeholders that rely on this important crossing.
2. Why does the George Massey Tunnel need replacing?
The existing tunnel is over capacity during the morning and evening rush hours and close to capacity throughout the day. Rush hour queues frequently extend from 1.5 to 5 kilometres.
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3. How has my input been used?
Phase 1 consultation sought input to gain a better understanding of current travel needs and community considerations for developing replacement options. This input was used to help develop a draft project scope and potential replacement scenarios.
Phase 2 consultation sought input on five potential replacement scenarios, which were developed in consideration of Phase 1 input. During this phase, participants indicated a preference for a new bridge along the existing Highway 99 corridor. They also wanted the Ministry to make sure that the new crossing includes improvements for transit, cyclists and pedestrians, and to continue with interim improvements at the existing tunnel while project development for a new crossing continues.
4. Why build a new bridge?
Consultation results indicate that people prefer a bridge instead of a tunnel. A new bridge will have improved safety and security for traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, fewer impacts on agricultural land, fewer disturbances on the Fraser River, fewer construction risks and greater cost and schedule certainty.
Building a new bridge, and removing the old tunnel, also creates opportunities for environmental and community improvements to the Fraser River, and at Deas Island Park and Deas Slough.
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Construction is expected to begin in 2017, meaning a new crossing could be fully operational by end of 2022. A lot of technical analysis and environmental review work remains to be completed between now and start of construction.
6. How much will a new bridge cost?
It’s too soon to say. The Ministry is conducting additional technical analysis, assessing transit options, and consulting with stakeholders to develop the draft project scope, including cost estimate. A draft project definition report will be available for public feedback in the coming months.
7. Will the new bridge be tolled to finance the construction costs of the project?
Right now, the Ministry is focused on understanding what the bridge and associated improvements to Highway 99 could look like. We have to confirm the scope of the project, including the crossing and the rest of the Highway 99 corridor. That’s what we’ll be doing over the next several months. Until then, all potential financing options are on the table.