Richmond's contentions regarding the evaluation of the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project aren't true, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The province was recently asked by the Optimist to respond to another scathing report by the City of Richmond, a document that raised more concerns about the project, even though the city, along with the rest of the Metro Vancouver board, has already made it clear it's opposed to the $3.5 billion undertaking.
The province submitted an application to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office and that review is well underway.
"There are significant gaps in the assessment of the impacts of the project, omissions of technical analysis as well as unsubstantiated claims of predicted project benefits," the Richmond report states.
It's also Richmond's contention the province is failing to see the bridge as part of the transportation system as a whole.
However, a statement by the ministry notes the environmental assessment application requirements were established through a consultative process with agencies, including Richmond, so the suggestion that it has significant gaps and omissions is inaccurate.
"In fact, the ministry and project team have had over 100 meetings with City of Richmond staff and council over the last three years to gather input and address concerns."
Delta maintains congestion at the George Massey Tunnel has been a longstanding issue of concern and the municipality has worked to make it a priority issue for the provincial government. According to Delta, the replacement of the tunnel with a 10-lane bridge will reduce severe traffic congestion, in turn reducing collisions and increasing safety. It will also support increased transit ridership, cycling and pedestrian access, and protect the Highway 99 corridor for future rapid transit.
Despite opposition from many regional politicians, the ministry contends the project has much backing.
"While Mayor (Lois) Jackson's support is well documented, we have also heard loud and clear the support from British Columbians over three rounds of consultation and through more than two years of developing the project definition report and business case. People want additional capacity and they want us to build it in a way that improves safety and reliability, protects the environment and provides options for all users. And that's exactly what we are doing."
The province says the project will include more than $500 million in transit improvements, developed in consultation with and supported by TransLink. The project includes 50 kilometres of continuous new transit/HOV lanes between Highway 91 in Delta and Bridgeport Road in Richmond, a dedicated transit ramp at Bridgeport Road with direct transit access to and from Canada Line at Bridgeport Station, and integrated transit stops at the Steveston Highway and Highway 17A interchanges.
Construction of the 10-lane bridge across the Fraser River is expected to start next year and be complete by 2022.
