In my last column before a short break, I penned an article around tunnel congestion, calling for a "Tour de Tunnel time trial." This was a "tongue in cheek" attempt to draw attention to potential short-term solutions to the vexing issue of peak hour tunnel gridlock. Any long-term solution is likely decades away, so what can be done in the meantime?
I was hoping for an advocate from Delta council to spearhead dialogue with Richmond and Surrey councils seeking a solution for northbound a.m. traffic. It has been suggested by me, and I'm sure others, to address the overtaxed Steveston Highway overpass which affects the exit from Highway 99 virtually stopping north bound vehicles in the tunnel.
We were fortunate to capture the attention of Councillor Bruce McDonald. On January 28, Bruce and the "T.T. Sponsor" decked Bruce's new Ford with "race decals" noting the inaugural event. The maximum time to complete the course was 40 minutes, about four times longer than it should take under normal driving conditions. The "T.T.Team" debarked from the Municipal Hall at 7: 45 a.m. with Jessica Kerr the intrepid reporter from the Delta Optimist and me as the backseat driver.
As the Monday morning commuter knows, the backup south of the tunnel can be irritatingly long on Highways 99 and 17. On this occasion the weather was clear and dry with an absence of sirens. The skilful driving of Bruce delivered his vehicle into the tunnel in less than ten minutes where we then crawled towards the exit to Steveston Highway. There was ample time to observe plenty of unused blacktop space to design a second exit lane. As we accessed the overpass west bound it was felt possible to design two west bound lanes by removing an unused sidewalk on the north side of the overpass. Our race team turned left and re-entered the tunnel south bound and returned to Delta's Municipal Hall in 37 minutes.
It was agreed the weather and road conditions were optimal along with Bruce's skilful driving, yet we barely beat the maximum time allowed.
Back at the hall we turned our "Time Trial" vehicle into a regular vehicle and Bruce was presented by me with a $500 cheque, as a donation in his name for his participation to a charity of his choice.
Traffic has long been as issue locally, and Delta council has a role to play in seeking short-term solutions for you, the frustrated commuter. The collective wisdom of council and commuter should give rise to practical solutions.
By the close of 2013 the opening of the SFPR at 72nd Avenue will ease the immediate north bound congestion at 99 and 17, but the overtaxed Steveston Highway will continue to back north bound traffic into the tunnel. The expected growth in Surrey with Delta's small contribution will put thousands of more cars into the tunnel thus exponentially affecting commuter time.
Extended trip time is one thing, unable to meet scheduled airport and hospital appointments amongst others adds additional stress.
The time to act is now. Far be it for me to suggest some community dialogue.
And a good night to you Bruce.
