The B.C. government is inviting the public to learn more and provide feedback about the latest on the George Massey Tunnel replacement project.
The focus is on how the environmental impacts during construction will be managed now that the application for the project’s environmental assessment certificate has been submitted, the province notes, adding that to ensure construction of the new crossing begins as soon as possible, the construction-level project design is now underway.
Residents are invited to provide feedback to the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) to ensure the application includes all the studies and information required to assess the potential positive and negative impacts.
The current public comment period runs from now until June 23, 2025.
The new tunnel will be composed of six tunnel elements that will be fabricated on Deas Island and transported to the site by barge.
Once the elements have been towed to the site, they will be sunk and installed, but the Fraser River must be closed to navigation temporarily while that work takes place.
Ten hectares of land is required on each side of the Fraser River for laydown and approximately 600 workers will be needed for construction on each side.
When complete, it is expected that drivers will travel at speeds of approximately 80 km/h along the corridor, compared to 30 km/h today, according to the province.
A dedicated multi-use pathway that will allow walking and cycling will also be part of the new structure, but it doesn’t look like the project will include a second exit out of Ladner.
Costing approximately $4.15 billion, the eight-lane tunnel project would be completed by 2030.
Meanwhile, as far as corridor improvements, they continue along Highway 99, and include the replacement of the Steveston Highway Crossing with a new five-lane interchange.
The first half of the new interchange is open to vehicles, with the second half under construction. The new interchange will be completed later in 2025.
The province has also started preliminary work to expand Highway 99 between Westminster Highway and Steveston Highway, with the placement of preload complete.
A pair of open houses will be held for the public to get more information and provide feedback:
Ladner: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Delta Hotels Vancouver Delta/Cascadia Casino and Conference Centre, 6005 Highway 17A
Richmond: Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m.
UBC Boathouse, 7277 River Rd.
