It may be seven years away, but the replacement of the aging George Massey Tunnel has moved a step closer to reality.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on Wednesday announced that a request for qualifications has been issued to replace the underwater crossing with a new eight-lane, toll-free immersed tube tunnel.
“This is a major milestone in the project to replace the George Massey Tunnel,” said Minister Rob Fleming in a news release. “We are making significant progress on this important project that will improve travel times and transit options for people who live on both sides of the Fraser River.”
Still needing to complete an environmental assessment, construction of the new tunnel is scheduled for completion in 2030.
The government said following the request for qualifications, it will issue a request for proposals from a shortlist of qualified teams to select a single proponent to move forward in the procurement process. Concurrently, the project is progressing through the province’s environmental assessment process. Corridor improvements including construction of a new five-lane Steveston Interchange are already underway.
The new crossing will be an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel with three general-purpose travel lanes and one dedicated transit lane in each direction. The new tunnel will have bike and pedestrian crossings to support active transportation options in the region, but no dedicated lane for future rapid transit.
The project also includes replacing the existing Deas Slough Bridge as well as the addition of a southbound general-purpose lane on Highway 99 between Westminster Highway in Richmond and Highway 17 in Delta.
The estimated cost of the George Massey Crossing immersed tube tunnel is approximately $4.15 billion, according to the ministry.
As far as the roadway improvements on the Delta side of the river, the Ministry recently told the Optimist that measures were underway to address safety concerns regarding the ongoing Highway 99 upgrade at an exit from Ladner Trunk Road.
The merge lane was ripped up and construction pilons were forcing drivers onto the highway more immediately, or to stop.
It was expected that paving in the area will be completed by the end of June, the ministry noted, adding that the temporary yield will be removed at that time, and the full ramp will provide additional space for merging.
Meanwhile, the City of Delta is still waiting for word if a second exit out of Ladner will be included in the project.
Council earlier this year got some potentially good news during a presentation by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Transportation Investment Corporation.
Executive director Peter Argast said that while an overpass connecting River Road is not within the current scope, the province may be willing to consider the addition once the government has an idea of how much federal funding will be made available.
Delta is encouraged to work with the ministry on a potential overpass project, to ensure critical planning is undertaken if there is an opportunity to revamp the overall tunnel replacement program, he added.
