The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure today announced the business case for a proposed replacement of the George Massey Tunnel has been received.
The next step is for government to review the submission, consult with partners and stakeholders and make a final decision regarding the crossing, according to the ministry.
Detailed in the business case are the two shortlisted options, which includes an eight-lane bridge and an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel.
Once a thorough review of the business case has been completed, government will decide on an option. The business case will only be made public following that decision.
The ministry notes that as a result of the independent technical review released in Dec. 2018, the ministry established a three-phase planning and engagement process to identify a crossing solution that better aligns with regional interests.
Through the planning process, the ministry worked with the Metro Vancouver Mayors' Task Force, Indigenous groups, TransLink, local municipalities and key stakeholders to develop and evaluate options.
“This input and extensive technical work completed to date has led to the development of the business case. Technical analysis and engagement with regulators have continued throughout, as have discussions with participating Indigenous groups,” the ministry explains.
Following the previous provincial election, the new NDP government put the brakes on the 10-lane bridge project that was getting underway.
Concerned about the timeline another option would get built, Delta Mayor George formed a group with other mayors who agreed on possible solutions to present to government.
The bridge was scheduled for completion in 2022.
