I think it's most appropriate that the new provincial government take a look at the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project, as well as alternatives to it, before making its decision. Spending $3.5 billion shouldn't be taken lightly, so it's incumbent on the New Democrats to ensure they're comfortable moving forward.
In the last couple of weeks both Metro Vancouver and the City of Richmond have requested the province explore options, the latter offering a couple of proposals that would upgrade the existing tunnel as well as twin it. Even though the process that got us to this point examined alternatives before deciding on a bridge, it's worthwhile for the new government to do its own due diligence.
However, there have to be some caveats to this review, including that it be completed in a timely manner. Equally important is that the goal of the project - to address congestion at what's been called B.C.'s worst bottleneck - is upheld, which means doing nothing, and diverting money and energies elsewhere, simply can't be on the table.
The third stipulation is that as much as transit/HOV must be a component of any crossing, it can't be the primary focus. There's been a lot of talk recently from bridge opponents that a new crossing should follow the regional growth strategy by not promoting the expansion of single-occupancy vehicles, which is a laudable goal provided efficient commuting options are made available.
Transit isn't a viable alternative for many people in these parts, so designing a crossing that views single-occupancy vehicles as evil isn't going to cut it, particularly not if all we're going to get to augment said crossing is a few extra buses.
You only have to look to the east to see that while transit is part of the equation, it can't be the only answer. Extending the Expo Line across the Fraser River into Surrey didn't prevent the need to eventually double the Port Mann Bridge capacity, nor have I noticed, via the traffic cams on the morning news, that last fall's opening of the Evergreen Line has substantially lightened the load on Highway 1.
Studying the alternatives makes sense, but at the end of the day the answer must be a viable solution.
