Editor:
Re: Take steps to minimize tunnel hazards, letter to the editor, July 27
I was pleased to read Mike McConnell's concerns about hazards in the George Massey Tunnel. I have advocated for several years that the tunnel is not a welllit thoroughfare.
In a protracted letter campaign with then-minister of highways, Shirley Bond, the poor state of tunnel was pointed out repeatedly.
In each of her replies - written by bureaucrats and not by the minister - she stated the lighting in the tunnel was adequate and the number of lights turned on at any one time was determined by the outside ambient light.
As to painting the tunnel white, I suggested this ought to be done and provided examples of longer tunnels in New Zealand and Hong Kong that are well lit and have white sides, thus reflecting much light.
Her bureaucratic-written letters agreed with me the tunnels mentioned were well lit but countered that such was not needed in George Massey Tunnel where, as mentioned, it was deemed sufficient lighting was in place and that painting the tunnel white would mean it would soon turn black from exhaust despite the existing exhaust fans in place.
On a more recent campaign in an attempt to improve the safety of travellers through the tunnel, I complained that despite the signs at each end that direct motorists to use headlights, few actually do.
I suggested an improved sign be installed and, in time, this has been done. Now, there is a bright yellow sign with the appropriate message to turn on headlights and to remove sunglasses.
Sadly, few motorists seem to be able to read and daily [sometimes several times per day] I travel behind motorists who fail to follow directions. At times, the vehicles ahead almost disappear from sight due to poor tunnel lighting and an apparent cavalier attitude of the driver of the offending vehicle.
Since the installation of the improved signs, I suggested to the minister that perhaps a flashing amber light ought to be installed next to each sign to draw motorists' attention to it. This suggestion has not been met with any response from either the minister or a bureaucrat.
I learned that approaching the minister of highways with considered ideas on how to improve the safety of motorists who travel through the tunnel is fraught with bureaucratic self-interest in that the bureaucrats give the impression they, and only they, know how best to do anything regardless of what motorists who actually travel through the tunnel experience.
Bureaucrats who sit on their duffs in offices far removed from the tunnel are an impediment to safety in said tunnel.
Bob Orrick
