Metro Vancouver mayors recommending eight lane tunnel to replace Massey Tunnel
Posted October 2, 2019 2:45 pm.
Last Updated October 2, 2019 7:43 pm.
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.
Metro Vancouver mayors task force has formally endorsed Immersed Tunnel option for new #MasseyTunnel crossing. Only no vote came from Tsawwassen Chief Ken Baird who says he’s worried about impact on wildlife. Final decision by #BCgovt weeks —if not months— away. @NEWS1130
— Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) October 2, 2019
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