Your Oct. 4 edition contained all the elements of a successful resolution to the tunnel problem much discussed therein in the lead article, editorial, and letters to the editor.
Firstly the tunnel should be preserved for use by rapid transit by building a light rail line from Bridgeport down Hwy 99 through the tunnel to an initial terminus station near the Town and Country Inn, with a park and ride.
Ultimately, the light rail could run to White Rock. Light rail in the tunnel would leave room for the placement of ballast so that the fill over top of the tunnel could be removed to provide the extra shipping draught needed to fulfill the hidden agenda of the Port Metro Vancouver.
It may even be possible to add enough ballast to prevent "floatation" during earthquake liquefaction.
Secondly, the new bridge would only need to be six lanes and much less expensive than the 10 lane monster currently promoted.
This would mean smaller ramps and less loss of agricultural land. The new light rail would get commuters out of their cars and relieve pressure on the Oak Street bridge and so obviate the need to upgrade it.
Potentially a win-win solution for all the major stakeholders. Of course it would require an unusual level of coordination between the Province, TransLink, Metro, and various other municipal governments and quasi-government agencies.
Adrian Wightman
Delta
