Expert says tunnel replacement won’t solve traffic problems
Posted March 17, 2013 1:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – Consultation for the Massey Tunnel replacement is underway and the province wants your thoughts on five options proposed.
One transportation expert says those suggestions won’t solve Metro Vancouver’s traffic problems.
SFU’s Gordon Price doesn’t like any of the plans, he thinks cars will still be backed up but just further down the road.
“I do understand the need to address congestion, it’s very frustrating, but at this point you can make the case that delays for people on transit, that’s a cost too and they’re not often put on the table at the same time.”
He says there are other more pressing alternatives to speed up travelling for commuters like putting in a rapid transit line along Broadway in Vancouver and in a light rail system Surrey.
The options include refurbishing the tunnel, building a new one, twinning it, putting up a bridge and adding another crossing.
Louise Yako with the BC Trucking Association says it’s hard to determine which option is best for truckers.
She’s waiting to see results from a traffic count research underway. “That kind of information will help inform a better decision as to where the crossing should be as to whether it should be a bridge or a tunnel or a combination.”
Some people feel adding a crossing at No. 8 road in Richmond would benefit semi-trucks the most.
