The province is still waiting for a report from an independent technical consultant reviewing the suspended George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project.
The study and its recommendations were to be completed for the transportation ministry this spring. Although there’s been no indication by government the consultant might not hand in his findings by the time summer begins June 21, there’s been no timeline when the public will get a chance to see that report.
In a statement, the province noted, “Government expects a report on the independent technical review of the George Massey Crossing to be delivered later this spring. Government will take the time necessary to study the analysis before determining next steps.”
Last November, the province announced it hired professional engineer Stan Cowdell to lead the review of the underwater crossing.
Cowdell is president of Westmar Project Advisors Inc. and has years of experience as an engineering consultant for public infrastructure projects.
“Cowdell’s firm is leading the review, with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure also recruiting additional expertise as needed to support his work in the fields of geotechnical, tunnel, bridge and road construction, traffic engineering and transportation planning,” the province explained at the time.
“The first task of the review will be to independently undertake a technical review of the lifespan, safety and seismic vulnerability and current congestion of the existing tunnel. As well, Cowdell will review the technical assumptions and analysis for the tunnel and bridge options. As part of this, he will review the technical information already produced for the project and challenge or verify the assumptions made out of that work. This assessment may identify the need for further technical work.”
The province also said it will continue to engage with the Metro Vancouver mayors to ensure that any plan for the Highway 99 corridor reflects their ideas and fits into the overall vision for the region. The mayors have already voiced opposition to a new bridge.
A recent Delta report to council notes a “do nothing” decision would have a significant detrimental implications with increasing congestion and travel delays.
Saying he hopes the consultant’s recommendation will be to proceed with the bridge project as originally planned, Delta South MLA Ian Paton said he’s not optimistic when construction could commence, due in part to the province having directed the funding to other projects.
