The City of Richmond and the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit are exploring ways to replace Richmond's long-standing swing bridge connecting Sea Island and Bridgeport.
In 2023, the ministry launched a planning study to look at possible upgrades to the Moray Bridge and the surrounding road networks in the Bridgeport area.
The bridge was built in 1957 and facilitates eastbound road traffic from Sea Island to Richmond and Highway 99. The swing bridge, located north of the Vancouver/Richmond Marina, also allows the passage of recreational maritime traffic.
The ministry's study has resulted in three possible bridge alignment proposals, which will be discussed at Monday's general purposes committee meeting.
The first option would move the bridge south of the current one, placing it closer to nearby homes and mixed-used buildings.
However, city staff said in a report this area is already "developed and physically constrained," which creates, "geometric challenges and feasibility concerns."
A second option, which is most recommended, would shift the bridge north of the existing one. This would require minimal changes to Sea Island Way's road network.
The last option would be to line up the bridge with Bridgeport Road, but this is expected to affect several properties.
It would also cause traffic and safety concerns due to a new intersection being added on No. 3 Road between Sea Island Way and Bridgeport Road.
Further detailed technical work, such as the impacts and design of the development, would be under the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
Bridge replacement is the ministry's priority, while road network options are also being considered as a long-term idea for potential "future regional growth and goods movement" along Bridgeport and Sea Island Way corridors.
Road changes proposed
Three road network changes are being proposed along Bridgeport Road and Sea Island Way, between Highway 99 and Sea Island.
City staff said they do not support any of the ministry's three proposed road network changes because the would alter existing city roads and cause connectivity problems.
"The road network options proposed reduces connectivity within the City's road network and will further divide the City Centre area and impact residential livability," reads the staff report.
The report also says the proposals do not "align with the City's transportation and urban design goals and objectives."
Rather, city staff is recommending the ministry explore other alternative options that can balance the needs of local and regional traffic.
Suggestions include additional lanes on Highway 99 southbound on-ramp from Sea Island Way and Highway 99 southbound to Bridgeport Road eastbound off-ramp.
Staff also recommended connecting westbound Bridgeport Road to Sea Island Way at the Highway 99 interchange, and placing a turning restriction on Sea Island Way and Sexsmith Road to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross.
This not only balances both provincial and municipal transportation goals, city staff explained.
The Moray Bridge Replacement Study is anticipated to be finished in the winter of 2025.
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter.
💬 Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
