Public consultations held on the George Massey Project
Credit to Author: Tiffany Crawford| Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2020 20:49:53 +0000
The B.C. government is holding public consultations on the George Massey Crossing Project and Highway 99 improvements.
Two information sessions will be held, starting tonight, about the first stage of the crossing project, which aims to alleviate congestion on either side of the existing tunnel, and the next steps for selecting a preferred long-term solution.
The first will be held Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Richmond Olympic Oval on River Road in Richmond. The second will be on the following evening, Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn on 56 Street in Delta.
In the fall, a Metro Vancouver committee voted unanimously to back a recommendation to replace the aging George Massey crossing with a new eight-lane immersed-tube tunnel. The board of directors’ final decision will be brought to the government during the public consultations.
An immersed tube was chosen from six options by the provincial government. It would have six lanes for regular traffic and two dedicated to transit, plus multi-use pathways on each side. Like the existing Massey Tunnel, it would be constructed in pieces that are sunk into place and joined.
Another option considered was a three-kilometre, six-or eight-lane bridge. It would have the least-complex environmental assessment because much of the work has already been done, however it would have greater noise, light, visual and shading impacts.
Information session materials and an online comment form will be available on the B.C. government website beginning Wednesday.
ticrawford@postmedia.com
-With files from Jennifer Saltman