VANDALISM: Large section of Diefenbaker Park field damaged Sunday night, 3 WELCOME HOME: Tsawwassen lineman Dylan Ainsworth signs with B.C. Lions, 18
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017
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A new 10-lane bridge is planned to replace the George Massey Tunnel. Site preparation work is anticipated to begin in early March.
Project crosses latest hurdle Environmental assessment approval granted for bridge that would replace Massey Tunnel IAN JACQUES
C o n t r i b u t i n g Wr i t e r
The George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project crossed over a significant hurdle last week clearing the way for site preparation work to hopefully begin early next month. An Environmental Assessment Certificate was issued to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), leaving only a certificate from the Agricultural Land Commission as the final piece of major
approvals needed for construction to start. “This was a very significant step. This was the primary approval that was needed,” said project director Geoff Freer. “We are waiting for approval from the Agricultural Land Commission, but we expect that soon.” Freer said two contracts for preliminary construction work are also out to tender. “This work is basically site prep and for drainage,” said Freer, adding they anticipate that work to begin in early March.
“In the long term in terms of the detailed design and construction for the major works, we are still in the request for proposal stage for that.” According to Freer major design work is on schedule to begin next summer with the new bridge to open in 2022. The work will include: building a new 10-lane, clear span bridge over the South Arm of the Fraser River; replacing the Westminster Highway, Steveston Highway and Highway 17A interchanges; widening Highway
99 between Bridgeport Road in Richmond and Highway 91 in Delta to accommodate dedicated transit/High Occupancy Vehicle lanes; and decommissioning the George Massey Tunnel. Freer said there are also permits that need to be approved from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources for work around things like waterways, but he does not anticipate any problems with those. Delta Mayor Lois Jackson said she is very excited by the
announcement and the fact the project is right on track. “I’m not in the majority when it comes to the mayors in the region, but we have been looking forward to alleviating our huge problem at the tunnel since the ‘80s when they did the counterflow,” said Jackson. “There is still lots of work of course to be done, but I’m sure they are going to be kicking dirt as quickly as they can. I have to congratulate everyone for all the work that has taken place.” JACKSON: see Page 3
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