Don’t count on counterflow at Massey Tunnel any time soon
Posted May 19, 2020 9:06 am.
Last Updated May 19, 2020 9:24 am.
DELTA (NEWS 1130) — It’s getting busier at the George Massey Tunnel, but it could be a while still before the counterflow lane opens.
Traffic is currently down 37 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Volume dropped sharply in late March and early April due to COVID-19 closures and restrictions.
At its lowest point, March 30 to April 3, traffic was down 49 per cent at the tunnel.
“This is unprecedented territory for us to see what really is some remarkable drops in traffic volumes,” says Ken Nash, Lower Mainland district manager with the Ministry of Transportation.
Have you noticed the #MasseyTunnel is getting busier?
Traffic has been steadily increasing since late March, but volume is still 37% below normal.
When will counterflow return? It could be awhile…#DeltaBC #RichmondBC pic.twitter.com/zhDvFoOr91
— Tim James (@TimJamesPlus) May 19, 2020
He says it could be a while until counterflow is needed again, considering volume typically drops over the summer months.
“As we would usually see in the past as kids are out of school and summer vacations are in full swing,” Nash adds.
“But, [there are] a lot of unknowns going into the summer and how traffic will react.”
The last time counterflow was needed due to rush hour volume was March 25.
