I think that was the fastest decision made by any government in history.
We went from a 10-year consultation to "let's build this sucker" in about a year. Sure, there will be studies, engineering reports and the like, with construction starting in 2017. Odd... that's an election year.
I have to say, it came as a surprise. We did, after all, elect an independent MLA, which is usually the death knell of attracting major projects.
Who cares! We're getting a bridge! And a big one at that! There will never be another traffic jam out of Delta again. Don't worry about people coming from other areas to use it, the toll will keep them away. It seems to be working at the Port Mann.
I saw the animation for the new crossing, and it is very impressive. There is a whole lot of road, more than we need for right now at least. What that says is we need to understand why we are so lucky to get our new crossing when there is clearly more need in other places. The Pattullo is a death trap; why is the priority with the tunnel? It really comes down to how we define the problem we are facing. If the problem is the tunnel is the worst choke point in Vancouver, that's one issue. If the problem is the tunnel is in the way, that's another issue altogether.
Assume for a moment the issue is traffic, as we've been told. When traffic backs up onto the highway on a Sunday, there is clearly a problem.
Yes, one solution is to build something new, but by the sounds of it, that's a pretty expensive solution. Remove the tourist information booth, expand the exit lanes and upgrade the Steveston overpass. Paint the walls white to make it brighter. These relatively inexpensive changes may help solve many of the current traffic issues and delay the immediate need for replacement. You don't buy a Bentley because your '06 Honda needs a new starter, especially when you're on a budget.
Thankfully, the exit expansion is going ahead. We just need to get on with it. The South Fraser Perimeter Road will ease traffic as well, ironically sending it towards the Pattullo. But we need to understand what effect these changes will have before deciding on a multi-billion dollar project.
The speed of this decision tells me this is about port expansion, not traffic. If that's the case, why the dog and pony show about consultations? It seems that, even if we overwhelmingly decided on a tunnel, we'd be getting a bridge. I appreciated being asked, but it would be nice if we were heard.
A bridge it is, but as soon as capacity increases, so will demand for more housing on this side of the Fraser (we can't say "this side of the tunnel" anymore). Farmland will be under pressure; since the bridge will be funded by usage, there needs to be more people available to use it. Count on more proposals for exclusions from the ALR.
Replacing the tunnel will come at a cost, and more than just financial. Any problem with that?
