The bridge that is to replace the George Massey Tunnel is years away, so the provincial government has begun improvements right now to help the traffic flow through the current crossing.
The visitor information centre on the Richmond side of the tunnel was recently demolished as part of a project to lengthen the northbound Steveston Highway off-ramp on Highway 99.
The Ministry of Transportation says the offramp will be lengthened by approximately 650 metres to 1,100 metres to increase its vehicle capacity. This will help alleviate congestion on Highway 99 and into the tunnel as the offramp often backed up onto the highway.
A $1.2-million contract was awarded to Jacob Bros. Construction of Surrey for the work, which is now underway and scheduled for completion by May 2014.
This is an interim measure to improve safety and reduce Highway 99 congestion until the replacement for the tunnel is completed, the ministry states.
"During our consultation on this project in the year since the George Massey Tunnel replacement was first announced, we heard that this improvement was a high priority for the short term," said Transportation Minister Todd Stone. "It will provide some relief for the 80,000 vehicles per day that use this crossing while we work on the permanent solution."
The ministry once again also stated the existing tunnel has about 10 years of useful life remaining before major components will need to be completely replaced. Engineering and technical work is underway to develop a project scope and business case for a bridge to replace the tunnel, along with associated corridor improvements along Highway 99.
"The new bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel will improve access and travel times for commuters and transit, and open the corridor up to future rapid transit options. There has been a tremendous amount of consultation on this project to date, and we're committed to further consultation as the project moves forward," Stone added.
Construction of the bridge is scheduled to begin in 2017 with completion expected sometime around 2022.
