Editor: How can I stop a bridge from being built? It's only me against the government, and they say the bridge is going to be built whether I like it or not. No town hall meetings, no referendums, no polls, nothing. But they're going to build it. In 2017. Get ready. What a mess.
Here's what I would like to see done: two more lanes built underwater. Put them on either side of the George Massey Tunnel, whichever side is easier. Simple, been done before, and the existing tunnels work exceptionally well considering their expectations. Accidents will happen no matter what type of roadway is being travelled.
Let's talk money and time. A new tunnel could be started tomorrow and could be built without the major inconveniences of this new bridge. For the most part, no one would even know the tunnel is getting built until the adjoining roads have to be put in place.
These two lanes could be finished by 2017, and when the new lanes are done, the older lanes could get a complete retrofit without any major inconvenience to commuters.
The money saved by doing this would be in the billions. The government could use the savings to upgrade existing infrastructure like the Oak Street Bridge.
In the grander scheme, I find the politics being played by the tiers of government to be quite pathetic. The idea that we need a new bridge is all hyperbole, arrogance, etc. There is no reason to dismantle the tunnel.
The idea of building roads without more foresight is appalling. Look at the mistakes on the South Fraser Perimeter Road, with bad signage or no signs at all, merging lanes, etc. Just ask anyone who takes the new Port Mann Bridge and comes to a screeching halt once they reach Boundary Road.
The way the government has been trying to slam this through seems like someone should raise a red flag and ask more questions. Who is actually benefiting from all of this? I don't think it's the taxpayers.
Now, how can I stop this bridge?
Terry Henry
