I definitely had a heads up, so perhaps I came at it with an unfair advantage, but the temporary exit on northbound Highway 99 didn't seem, I'm afraid to say, as confusing as advertised.
Since the exit was pushed a couple kilometres further south due to South Fraser Perimeter Road construction, there have been complaints about the puzzling set up and lack of signage. And the kicker is that if you miss the exit, and many have, you can't get off the highway until you've gone through the George Massey Tunnel and into Richmond.
I was on high alert as I approached the area last weekend after initially seeing a sign for the new exit while still westbound on Highway 10. There were several other signs - it looks like they've simply repositioned ones that had been further north on Highway 99 - so the turn-off was painless.
Given this temporary exit is right where all the construction vehicles gather, I could see how there could be some trepidation that it's not intended for all drivers. What's more, despite all the signs, there's no mention it's the exit for Ladner and Tsawwassen (the signs include the exit number as well as River Road and the ferry symbol, but I didn't see either community mentioned).
I don't imagine we'll be using that exit for an extended period, but for as long as we do, it would be worthwhile to ensure all those travelling the highway know it's the way to get to South Delta.
I'm sure the folks from Port Metro Vancouver expect to get pushback when they put forward projects like a third berth at Deltaport or an entirely new container terminal, but probably less so when they're doing things to improve the environment.
Well, at least they believe they're doing what's best for the environment, although you'd have a hard time convincing opponents, who have greeted work crews on a couple of occasions in the last week or so, hoping to prevent the removal of logs from the Boundary Bay shoreline.
Both sides say the science is in their favour, so it's hard to know who's right, but this much is sure: there are no free rides for developers in South Delta.
Speaking of the port, I'm sure the announcement last week of a container screening facility to be built on Tsawwassen First Nation land won't be the last time the two sides strike a business arrangement. The port needs upland support and the TFN is well positioned to provide it.
