Delta MLA not optimistic, with no sign of Massey Tunnel replacement in sight
Posted May 28, 2018 6:47 am.
Last Updated May 28, 2018 6:49 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
DELTA (NEWS 1130) – The conclusion of an independent technical review of the Massey Tunnel replacement commissioned by the NDP government is due sometime this spring.
But with approximately four weeks left until summer officially starts, there’s still no indication when we might see it.
Preparation was halted on a 10-lane-replacement bridge back in September until the report by engineer Stan Cowdell was finished.
“I’m hoping to see a positive recommendation from Mr. Cowdell and I’m not sure what he’s reviewing because I think there’s already 14,000 pages of documentation and years of engineering studies that have shown replacing the George Massey Tunnel with a bridge is by far the best option,” says BC Liberal South Delta MLA Ian Paton.
“I’m hoping his recommendation to the government in power right now is to move forward with the project as soon as possible.”
But when it comes to getting shovels in the ground, Paton isn’t quite as optimistic.
“There is certainly no line item in the budget with the NDP government’s budget coming down. Quite frankly, with all the things that they’ve thrown at us, with all these new taxes and spending, I don’t see where there’s going to be $2.7 billion for the new bridge right at the moment,” says Paton, who was a farmer before he entered politics.
The former Delta councillor and first-term MLA is also concerned about shifting transit priorities in the Lower Mainland, even though the current tunnel turned 59 years old last Wednesday.
“I’m just not sure where they (the current provincial government) are going to find the money for it right now because they’ve got so much money being thrown at different projects with transportation. The Pattullo Bridge has suddenly come forward as a more important project. So maybe they (provincial government) will find two or three new taxes to throw at us which will free up money to replace the George Massey Tunnel. But right now I don’t see where there’s money for this project.”
The province hasn’t announced any official delays, meaning it is still expected out before June 21st.
