The B.C. government says a new bridge or tunnel could replace the aging span of the George Massey Tunnel, which connects Vancouver’s southern suburbs to the city.
The second phase of public consultations got underway Monday after a report was released summarizing the first phase of talks.
Related: Phase 1 report
Other options include constructing an adjacent tunnel for bikes, transit and pedestrians. One option would see a new crossing between the South Fraser Perimeter Road in Delta and Highway 91.
A small contingent of participants suggested that the province should focus on refurbishing the existing tunnel and invest in other regional transportation priorities instead.
Many people suggested improving lighting and painting in the existing tunnel as an interim solution to address current safety and congestion concerns.
Officials believe the span has just over a decade of useful life before an overhaul is needed.
More than 1,100 people gave input on replacement options during a public consultation phase last December, which included stakeholder meetings, online discussions and five open houses.
More than 80 per cent of people identified congestion as the primary concern, speaking about the bottleneck effect that creates rush hour queues of up to five kilometers long. The congestion adds precious minutes – sometimes hours – to the drives of commuters and commercial users.
Economic growth (48 per cent) and transportation alternatives (41 per cent) were also cited as top priorities when it comes to evaluating tunnel replacement options.
The second round of consultations will build on existing feedback and seek input on potential replacement scenarios, and the criteria to decide which one will work best going forward.
Delta Mayor Lois Jackson said she’s encouraged by the amount of people who are contributing in the process.
"Congestion at the tunnel is impacting our quality of life here in Delta, as well our economy, and I'm supportive and appreciative of the B.C. government's process to plan for a replacement,” she said in a statement issued to media.
The four-lane tunnel opened in 1959 and the counter-flow system was put into place 31-years-ago.
It serves more than 80,000 vehicles a day, including 1,000 trucks from Deltaport. That number is expected to jump more than 50 per cent by the time the port expansion is completed in 2017.
Three open houses are being held this week in Richmond, Surrey and Delta to take public input. For more information on the project and feedback forms click here.
