Metro Vancouver mayors recommending eight lane tunnel to replace Massey Tunnel

A bridge or a tunnel? Metro Vancouver mayors have spoken and made the recommendation that they want an eight lane immersed tube tunnel to replace the Massey Tunnel. Ashley Burr has more.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A Metro Vancouver task force is recommending the province build an eight lane immersed tube tunnel to replace the Massey Tunnel.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Metro Vancouver mayors reviewed six shortlisted options put together by B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation, including a new multi-lane tunnel and a six-to-eight lane bridge.

They formally endorsed the immersed tunnel option for a new Massey Tunnel crossing, despite an acknowledgement it could take longer to get environmental approval and would require more agricultural land than a bridge.

Of the municipalities represented on the task force, the Tsawwassen First Nation was the only community to oppose the recommendation. Chief Ken Baird says he’s worried about the impact the project would have on wildlife.

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.

The next step will be to go to the public with the options.

With files from Mike Lloyd

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