Massey Tunnel replacement project on hold as NDP announces review

DELTA (NEWS 1130) – Don’t expect a quick fix to solving congestion in, through and around the Massey Tunnel.

The provincial government has announced it has scrapped the procurement process for the project to replace it. It’s also launching a new review into a solution which the NDP is calling an independent technical review.

Despite the fact the province has ended the procurement process for the replacement project, Transportation Minister Claire Trevena insists things haven’t been sent back to square one. “I don’t think the former BC Liberal government had the buy-ins from the communities.”

She adds the ministry is in the process of hiring someone to lead the technical review. “The review will focus on what level of improvement is needed in the context of regional and provincial planning, growth and vision, as well as which option would be best for the corridor, be it the proposed 10-lane bridge, a smaller bridge or tunnel,” adds Trevena.

Making the choice to end the procurement process at this stage won’t come cheap. The province has already spent $66 million on the $3.5 billion project and there’s no timeline for when the NDP government plans to build whatever it is that will replace the Massey Tunnel.

While the review is underway, Trevena says she will continue to have an open dialogue with Metro Vancouver Mayors.

Swift reaction from local leaders

Both the mayors of Delta and Richmond were quick to respond once the NDP made today’s official announcement.

Delta Mayor Lois Jackson, who is the only Metro Vancouver mayor who supports the project approved by the former Christy Clark government, says she knew today’s announcement was coming and she’s pleased.

“Certainly very happy they’re going to look into it in-depth. I’m really quite sure, after all is said and done, they will find that it is the best way to go in terms of a replacement of the bridge.”

Jackson hopes the review is done by the end of the year. “I really do hope so. We have a very desperate situation with the Massey Tunnel. Of course, all of the crossings, but the sooner the better the tunnel is replaced.”

Meantime, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie is also happy other options are now on the table. “There can’t be any surprise that we have had very major concerns. It appears now that someone will be taking a good long look at this project to see what makes sense.”

He’s confident the review will ensure the right solution is found. “What city wants a new freeway right in their backyard? Something in the excess of 20 lanes wide at the Steveston Highway interchange. It is absolutely massive. You’re going to lose farmland. You’re going to lose park land. There are visual impacts to it.”

Brodie adds, unlike Jackson, he wasn’t given a heads up from the new government, but he’s pleased the New Democrats are actually looking to get input before moving forward.

BC Liberals respond

The former governing party issued a statement shortly after the transportation minister spoke.

BC Liberal MLAs on both sides of the Massey Tunnel are concerned that the NDP government’s cancelling of the current replacement bridge is putting the safety of commuters at risk in order to further their political agenda.

“This is an unacceptable delay for those who travel through the tunnel every day,” says Delta South MLA Ian Paton. “This is a project that needs to be built in order to protect those who could be caught in the tunnel during an earthquake, as well as relieve pressure on the worst bottleneck in the province. This will cost taxpayers millions right now and likely billions when the NDP realize a new crossing – a bridge – is needed.”                 

The replacement bridge would save rush-hour commuters up to 30 minutes for the 80,000 people a day who use the tunnel. Benefits would be felt across the province by improving the safe, efficient movements of people and goods along a route which moves $25B worth of goods per year.

“Building a bridge is the most safe and cost efficient way to get people across the river,” said Richmond-Queensborough MLA Jas Johal. “This project has undergone five years of planning and consultation and the NDP don’t even have anyone appointed to lead this review, let alone an actual plan to replace the tunnel. This to me looks like certain projects and issues are not a priority for this government unless it serves their political aspirations.”

By saying no to this project, the NDP are also saying no to 9,000 construction jobs and 4,500 to 5,000 additional permanent jobs created by 2045.