One solution that might alleviate the regular northbound bottleneck at the George Massey Tunnel is converting a seldom-used turnoff lane on the Richmond side of the tunnel into a dedicated traffic lane, says Coun. Ian Paton.
Located on the far right, immediately as drivers leave the tunnel northbound, the lane also serves as parking for Tourism Richmond's visitor information centre.
Paton would like the province to explore changing the parking/traffic lane into a lane for Richmond-bound motorists trying to get onto Steveston Highway, easing congestion in the other northbound lanes.
"I've discussed it with some other members of the community that are frustrated with the waiting times getting through the tunnel. So if you create a big lane or two to the right as you get out of the tunnel, at least then you can create a bit of a parking lot, but at least it's a place to get cars out of the way so the rest of the cars can keep moving," he told the Optimist.
"For the cars that want to go into Richmond on Steveston Highway, get rid of that (tourist information) building and create some space to create more lanes for them to get off and out of the way. We can think of putting better places for tourist information centres than when you're roaring out of the tunnel," Paton said.
Paton recently asked his council colleagues to request the Ministry of Transportation look into the idea. Council agreed to have engineering staff first look into the feasibility of the change and whether it's something that's already been analyzed.
He agreed Richmond should be consulted about the idea to see if there's interest from that city.
Coun. Robert Campbell agreed that Paton's idea has some merit, but noted there's also frustrating delays at the lights entering Steveston Highway as well as backups at No. 5 Road and throughout the corridor. A dedicated turn-off lane won't do much good unless those other problem areas are also addressed, Campbell said.
"They (City of Richmond) have major development going on in that area... there's a lot more congestion in that area coming and we're not going to solve things by making changes to that deceleration lane," Campbell said.
"That whole No. 5 Road and Steveston Highway and Steveston overpass and exit need to be reworked in a major way at some point in the future. Until that is done, there's going to be no real solution to that right lane backup coming through the tunnel and it'll just get worse."
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, noting Highway 99 and the turn-off lane are provincial jurisdiction, told the Optimist his city is working with the Ministry of Transportation to examine the traffic flows and road configurations from the tunnel.
"There is an awareness, a very considerable awareness, of the congestion around the north end of the tunnel leading into Richmond and all around the Steveston Highway overpass," Brodie said.
A spokesperson with the Ministry of Transportation said, "The ministry is working with the City of Richmond toward long-term options to address the congestion on the north end of the Massey Tunnel, Steveston Highway and No. 5 Road. All options, including the possibility of a more direct exit at the tunnel, will be considered as part of our discussions with the city. The ministry is always interested in hearing from local governments toward the mutual goals of safe and efficient movement of people and goods."
