Metro Vancouver mayors to narrow down Massey Tunnel options today

DELTA (NEWS 1130) – We should find out later today what the preferred choice will be to finally replace or rebuild the aging Massey Tunnel on Highway 99.

Congestion at the Massey Tunnel is a daily headache for commuters, and many say they just want something — anything — started to tackle backups.

“I’d like to see it start sooner than later,” one commuter, who starts his day before 5:00 a.m. to try and avoid traffic tells NEWS 1130. “Typically I start at this time, which is 4:30 a.m. or so I leave the house, so it’s a little better.”

Metro Vancouver mayors will be reviewing six shortlisted options put together by B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation, including a new multi-lane tunnel or a six-to-eight lane bridge.

Once the mayors’ task force narrows down the list, the next step will be to go to the public with the options.

Read more: George Massey Crossing Task Force report

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It’s not clear when construction would start on the new crossing, but it’s been two years since the construction of a previously-approved 10 lane bridge was halted.

If the current Massey Tunnel is rehabilitated and maintained, it can be used for up to 50 years according to a technical review conducted last year, but it doesn’t meet seismic standards.

Here is the full list of options on the table for mayors to review:

• New eight-lane immersed-tube tunnel with multi-use pathway
• New eight-lane bridge with multi-use pathway
• New eight-lane deep-bored tunnel, plus existing tunnel for multi-use pathway
• New six-lane immersed tube-tunnel, plus existing tunnel with two transit lanes
• New six-lane bridge, plus existing tunnel for two transit lanes
• New six-lane deep-bored tunnel, plus existing tunnel for two transit lanes