Skip to content

Safety of Massey Tunnel will be improved at long last

Editor: Transportation Minister Claire Trevena’s recent announcement about the George Massey crossing begins to combat the “tunnel replacement” naming that worked against equal treatment of all alternatives.

Editor:

Transportation Minister Claire Trevena’s recent announcement about the George Massey crossing begins to combat the “tunnel replacement” naming that worked against equal treatment of all alternatives. Of high importance:

  • At long last, the safety of the existing tunnel will be improved.
  • The ministry wants to work with Metro Vancouver and its municipalities for solutions that fit with regional plans and concerns.

The announcement features seven key findings by project reviewer Steve Cowdell, P Eng, mainly promising. In that positive context, three reservations about the list: 

  • With a tunnel-replacement bridge, it might be challenging to preclude the Fraser ship channel being dredged two metres deeper, with severe ecological harm to the Fraser estuary.
  • An eight-lane crossing could be fine with a configuration that has the outer lane in each direction for mainly local traffic, as in one City of Richmond proposal. In contrast, using counterflow for five lanes in one direction would likely lead to congestion.
  • A most welcome eighth key feature would be a prompt influx of rapid buses and an ongoing emphasis on transit.

Many Fraser Voices supporters and like-minded citizens have put informed effort into the George Massey crossing project. Each person’s efforts have been crucial, much like in election success.

Jim Wright

Acting Chair

Fraser Voices Association