Toll will extend life of Massey Tunnel replacement: report
Posted March 10, 2014 9:39 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – Putting a toll on a bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel would control congestion, lessen greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage people to take transit; those are among the findings of an analysis done by TransLink.
It appears local mayors feel a toll is pretty much a done deal for the new span.
The transportation authority’s review assumes the province will build an eight-lane bridge; it finds without a toll, the new crossing would near capacity by 2045. However, the analysis finds a toll would prolong the capacity of the bridge beyond that date.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie thinks tolling is inevitable, but wants it to happen region-wide. “Make it a low amount — an affordable amount. Don’t gouge people for many dollars each time they take a trip.”
Delta Mayor Lois Jackson is also pushing for a region wide approach. “You have to do it on all bridges. If you’re going to cross a bridge, you pay 50 cents. I don’t think it’s rocket science, but anyway, that’s my own opinion.”
Jackson also expects the province will end up building a 10-lane bridge instead of an eight-lane span.
The province is expected to reveal more details this spring.
