A new bridge will be built to replace the ageing Massey Tunnel, announced Premier Christy Clark on Friday.
And, according to the premier, the new crossing will be constructed on the same route and not further upstream — a possibility that the City of Richmond opposed due to fears of opening up farmland for development.
Speaking to municipal politicians at the Union of BC Municipalities convention, Clark described the tunnel as being the worst bottleneck in western Canada.
Construction, she said, will start in 2017.
However, there was no indication from Clark whether the new bridge between Richmond and Delta will be tolled.
"Congestion at the tunnel is frustrating for families and stalling the economy," Clark said. "A new bridge will improve travel times for transit, commuters and commercial users, and open the corridor up to future rapid transit options."
Before construction begins in 2017, the highways ministry will lengthen the Steveston off-ramp on Highway 99 at the north end of the tunnel. This will improve safety and reduce Highway 99 congestion for motorists, the ministry said in a release.
