B.C. Hydro has chosen an overhead transmission line crossing the Fraser River to relocate an existing line from the George Massey Tunnel.
The tunnel is scheduled to be decommissioned when it's replaced by a 10-lane bridge in 2022.
"Really, the key reason we chose this alternative is it offers the highest level of reliability and safety so we can continue to reliably serve the customers in this service area," said project manager Navreet Kooner, noting the decision was reached last week.
Deas Island Regional Park would be home to the overhead line on the Delta side of the river.
The plan would require two steel lattice towers, approximately 120 metres in height (approximately half the height of the bridge), to support the overhead line crossing the river. One transmission tower would be located on Deas Island and the other in Richmond. A second, smaller steel lattice tower, approximately 75 metres in height, would also be required on Deas Island. All towers would be located to the west of the bridge.
Kooner said the overhead option has the lowest construction risk, has low environmental impact, is the most cost efficient to build and has the longest in-service life of the other options B.C. Hydro considered.
Other alternatives included an underground transmission line running under the Fraser River or a transmission line located on the bridge itself.
Kooner said B.C. Hydro would like to start site preparation activities this fall but noted it doesn't have a detailed construction schedule yet.
The Metro Vancouver website says Deas Island Regional Park is "a great place for a picnic, a quiet walk or a paddle along the slough" and that the area is home to a variety of wildlife.
