Dear Editor,
Re: “Mayor: Big question marks over $3.5 billion toll bridge,” News Dec. 18
I have been trying to stay abreast of what is going on with the (Massey) tunnel replacement.
BC Hydro had open meetings. I attended one at the Richmond Golf Club. Five of us attended! At least Hydro came to let us know the options, and although not necessarily the most popular, the building of the hydro line beside the new bridge made the most logical sense.
If we could only get the B.C. government to give us the same courtesy, rather than what backs a decision that is already made.
If it has not already been made, how could new adjacent development, such as Hampton Cove, be progressing at a rate where they plan to offer for sale sites as early as 2016.
What about the so-called outpouring of traffic into Richmond on Steveston Highway, how is that going to be handled?
Once the bridge is built then the tunnel will be demolished. What affect will that have on the structural stability of the bridge as areas in between are eroded. This has not been considered with normal public input and it is a disgrace that the City of Richmond was not included in the announcement.
As for tolls, why can’t frequent travellers get access to the HOV lane? As in many cases, they are the backbone of Richmond-bound commuters. This project has been left so open for the sake of politics.
If there are going to be be “consultations” in January what will that prove?
You announce a $3.5 billion project and even the report does not give a phone number for the Ironwood information office location or its opening hours.
Answers, real listeners and including Richmond is needed.
I currently hold property on both sides of this project and do not want, but need to know what is being planned.
Mark Foreman
Richmond
