The boondoggle of the George Massey Tunnel replacement has gone on for so many years and as of today, nothing has been done. All we hear is promises from our provincial government. A bridge was promised, a change of Government happened and the bridge was scrapped and a tunnel was promised.
On September 28, 2012, Premier Christy Clark announced plans to replace the aging tunnel within 10 years, addressing the congestion and safety issues currently plaguing the structure. On November 21, 2012, it was announced that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is leading a multi-stage planning initiative, including seeking public input on replacement options for the tunnel to determine a number of options for its replacement. On September 20, 2013, Premier Clark announced that construction on a new bridge to replace the tunnel will begin in 2017. The official ground breaking for the project took place on April 5, 2017, and was met with protesters. Later in 2017, we had a Provincial election. The newly elected NDP Government scrapped the bridge and decided to replace the tunnel. It's 2025 and we finally have a plan!
The new tunnel will be made of six tunnel elements. Each element will weigh approximately 60,000 tonnes and will be 130 x 45 metres or about the size of a football field.
The tunnel elements will be stored until the riverbed is ready for them, and when ready, tugboats will guide the element into position.
While the tunnel elements are built, a machine dredges a trench at the bottom of the river. The trench is then prepared for an element to be lowered into place.
Special tanks within the tunnel elements are filled with water to help lower the tunnel into position.
Once the tunnel element is in place, gravel is added to the sides to secure it.
Once completed the new tunnel will improve traffic flow and access for emergency vehicles. Dedicated bus lanes will make transit trips faster and more reliable. The tunnel will also include the option to walk or cycle at this crossing for the first time.
